Typhoon Santi Maintains Strength

Typhoon Santi continues to move west and has further intensified with winds now at 160kph (up from 130kph about 24hrs ago). Intensification has apparently being limited by that lack of poleward outflow according to the JTWC. Furthermore, increasing wind shear and relatively cool waters for this time of the year will limit Santi's development. Therefore, landfall intensity forecast has been downgraded to just a Cat 2 typhoon with winds of about 160-180kph. The track has also slightly shifted south. Therefore, NCR, and most of central Luzon will experience typhoon force winds by Saturday.______________________
102909 430pm PST