Typhoon “Noul” (Dodong) intensifies on its way toward the Philippines

Although Typhoon "Noul" underwent slight weakening during the last couple of hours it is still expected to intensify on its way toward landfall at northern Luzon, Philippines over the next 48 hours. Noul, known in the Philippines as Dodong, is expected to make landfall near Isabela.

At 02:00 UTC, the center of the storm was located about 480 km (298 miles) ENE of Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Maximum sustained winds were 150 km/h (93.2 mph) near the center, with gustiness of up to 185 km/h (111 mph), PAGASA said.

System is tracking WNW at about 20 km/h (12.6 miles).

Estimated rainfall amount is from heavy to intense within the 300 km (186 miles) diameter of the typhoon.

Typhoon "Noul" on May 8, 2015. Image credit: NASA Terra/MODIS.

Animated multispectral satellite imagery shows the system has maintained a symmetric central dense overcast feature with a cloud-filled eye and compact feeder bands, JTWC said at 03:00 UTC today.

Typhoon "Noul" forecast track by JTWC on May 8, 2015.

JTWC noted Noul is expected to track WNW under the continued steering influence of the subtropical ridge over the next 48 hours, making landfall over northern Luzon near Isabela.

Generally favorable upper-level outflow, low vertical wind shear and warm water should support additional intensification prior to landfall.

After 48 hours, the system will begin to round the western edge of the subtropical ridge in response to an approaching mid-latitude trough approaching from the northwest.

Image credit: MTSAT2/NRL

Satellite animations

• Storm-Centered Infrared (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Infrared (Aviation Color Enhancement) (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Water Vapor (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Visible (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Visible (Colorized) (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)

• Storm-Centered Infrared (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Enhanced Infrared (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Water Vapor (MTSAT2; CIMSS)
• Storm-Centered Visible (MTSAT2; CIMSS)

• South China Sea/West Pacific Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• South China Sea/West Pacific Enhanced Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• South China Sea/West Pacific Water Vapor (MTSAT2; NOAA)

Featured image: Typhoon "Noul" on May 8, 2015. Credit: NASA Terra/MODIS.