The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Sunday, August 10, that Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Podul is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) within 24 hours.
According to the state weather bureau, STS Podul continues to accelerate while maintaining its strength and will be renamed “Gorio” upon entering PAR.
The storm was last spotted 1,615 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon and remains outside the PAR as of the latest advisory.
STS Podul carries maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h, gusts reaching up to 135 km/h, and a central pressure of 985 hPa, with winds extending up to 280 km from its center.
It is currently moving westward at a speed of 20 km/h and is expected to shift west-northwest or northwestward from August 12 onward.
Despite its proximity, STS Podul is not expected to directly affect Philippine weather and sea conditions over the next five days.
However, the storm may pass near or over the southern Ryukyu Islands on Wednesday, August 13, and could potentially make landfall in Taiwan later that day.
PAGASA urges the public and disaster risk reduction offices to closely monitor updates regarding STS Podul’s movement and development.