"Chedeng" update

Typhoon "Chedeng" (international name: Songda) has accelerated and gained more strength as it approaches the Eastern seaboard of Northern Luzon.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated "Chedeng" to be 230 km Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or at 400 km Southeast of Casiguran, Aurora.

Maximum sustained winds increased to 170 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph, faster than earlier updates. The typhoon is now moving faster at 19 kph towards the Northwest.

PAGASA estimates that by Friday morning, "Chedeng will be 200 km Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora; Saturday morning at 250 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes.

Public storm warning signal #2 is still raised at Catanduanes and Camarines Sur.

Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Is., Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Marinduque, Burias and Ticao Is., Masbate, and Biliran Island are under public storm warning signal #1.

Typhoon "Chedeng" is still expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao. — DBL