AS of Sunday morning, Typhoon Saudel remained outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) while tracking west-northwestward across the Philippine Sea east of extreme northern Luzon, according to the Philippine weather bureau PAGASA.
In its 11 a.m. advisory, the state agency placed the storm’s center approximately 2,085 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon, carrying maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching up to 205 kilometers per hour. Saudel is moving steadily west-northwest at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour.
PAGASA forecasts Saudel to enter PAR by Monday morning or afternoon, August 24. Upon entry, the typhoon will be assigned a local name—either “Obet” or “Pilandok”—depending on whether Saudel or another monitored tropical depression crosses the boundary first. The bureau warned that Saudel is likely to reach the super typhoon category before entering PAR, and even though it may gradually weaken after peaking, the possibility of it crossing into Philippine jurisdiction as a super typhoon cannot be ruled out.
Despite its intensity, PAGASA noted that Saudel is unlikely to significantly affect weather or sea conditions across the country over the next three days. The typhoon is projected to remain within PAR only briefly and is expected to exit the area by Tuesday, August 25. PAGASA continues to monitor the system closely and advises the public to stay updated on subsequent advisories for any changes in track or intensity.
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