Typhoon Saudel impacts Northern Mariana Islands and approaches Philippines

Typhoon Saudel has rapidly intensified, passing close to Agrihan in the Northern Mariana Islands on August 22. The storm brought destructive winds of up to 177 km/h (110 mph) and gusts reaching 209 km/h (130 mph) to the far northern islands. Residents in Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan were instructed to remain in protective shelters as heavy rainfall of 200–300 mm was forecast, with localized accumulations potentially exceeding 500 mm.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Saudel is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday. Once inside, the typhoon, which will be locally named Obet, is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, or ‘habagat’.

Forecasters indicate the storm may develop into a super typhoon before exiting the PAR on Tuesday. The enhanced monsoon is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains, potentially causing flash floods or landslides in Batanes, as well as scattered rains and thunderstorms across various regions of Luzon and Metro Manila.