Typhoon Saudel entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday afternoon and was given the local name Obet, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of 4 p.m., the center of Typhoon Obet was estimated at 1,350 kilometers east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.
Obet was moving west-northwestward at 30 kph, with typhoon-force winds extending up to 540 kilometers from its center.
Despite entering the PAR, no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) is currently raised over any part of the country.
PAGASA said Obet is expected to continue moving generally west-northwestward for the next two days before shifting westward. Based on the current forecast track, the typhoon will remain far from the Philippine landmass and is expected to exit the PAR within 12 hours.
The weather bureau said Obet may slightly intensify while inside the PAR but will remain a typhoon. It is forecast to weaken as it moves over the southern islands of Japan, toward the waters north of Taiwan, before making landfall over southeastern mainland China.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon or Habagat will continue to bring strong to gale-force wind gusts over large parts of the country.
For Tuesday and Wednesday, strong to gale-force gusts are expected over most of Luzon and Visayas, as well as parts of Mindanao, including Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Norte, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.
PAGASA also warned of rough seas in several coastal areas.
Waves may reach 3.5 meters along the seaboards of Batanes and northern Babuyan Islands, while waves of up to 3 meters are expected along the western Babuyan Islands, northern Ilocos Norte and western Kalayaan Islands.
Mariners, particularly those using motorbancas and similarly sized vessels, were advised to take precautions and avoid sailing whenever possible under these conditions.
PAGASA emphasized that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still occur outside Obet's potential landfall area and forecast confidence cone.
The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices were urged to take necessary precautions and follow instructions from local authorities.
