“Odette” intensifies into tropical storm; is expected to leave PAR at the latest on Saturday

(Eagle News) — Tropical Depression “Odette” intensified into a tropical storm on Thursday night, but is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility soon and go toward China.

The center of “Odette” this Friday morning was seen in the vicinity of Calanasan, Apayao, as it continued to move west southwest at 24 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

“Odette” is packing maximum sustained winds of up to 75 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 120 kph.

Moderate to heavy rains are expected within the 400-km diameter of the tropical storm.

Ilocos Region, the western section of central Luzon will experience cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rains with thunderstorms, Pagasa said.

Metro Manila, the western sections of Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the rest of Luzon is expected to experience light to moderate rains with thunderstorms.

“Odette” is expected to exit the landmass of Ilocos province this morning, and then PAR either on Friday night or early Saturday morning.

Pagasa said improved weather conditions are expected on Sunday.