Typhoon Nesat (Pedring) Update #6

Typhoon Nesat (Bagyong Pedring) continues to strengthen as it moves across the Philippine Sea. The storm was last located approximately 650km east of Manila or about 320km northeast of Virac, Catanduanes. Maximum sustained winds are now at 140kph gusting to 165kph. Nesat is moving westward at 20kph.

As of 5am today, Signal #2 is in effect for Isabela, Aurora, Catanduanes, Polillo Island, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur. Signal #1 is up for Albay, Burias Island, Sorsogon, Quezon, Quirino, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Mt. Province, Kalinga, and Cagayan.

Areas mentioned abover, particularly the Bicol Region, will begin experiencing tropical storm conditions today with strong winds of as high as 65 to 100kph and moderate to heavy rain with amounts totalling as high as 200mm. Lighter amounts of rain elsewhere. Manila will also see some rains today along with breezy conditions although Nesat is not really expected to directly affect the metropolis.

Latest IR Image continue to show very impressive convective activity with the eye starting to form. A microwave image also confims the early stages of eyewall development. Conditions remain highly favorable for continued development up until landfall. You can also see bands of convection moving across much of Luzon bringing light to moderate rain showers and also some scattered thunderstorms.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Forecast remain generally the same for Nesat. We'll have another update later this afternoon.

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Issued (2130 UTC) 530am PhT 092611