Super Typhoon Usagi headed for Hong Kong

Super Typhoon Usagi is headed for Hong Kong as it picked up speeds higher than any other typhoon on earth this year.

UPDATE: 09-21-13 // 2:00AM

Public storm warning signal no. 3 has been hoisted over the Batanes Group of Islands where winds of 101 to 185 kilometers per hour is expected in at least 18 hours.

Areas under public storm warning signal no. 2 include Apayao, Cagayan, and the Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands.

Public storm warning signal no. 1 has been raised over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Abra, Kalinga and Isabela.

Heavy to intense rainfall (10 to 20 millimeters per hour) is expected within the 800-kilometer diameter of typhoon.

PAGASA warned residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under the storm signals against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Those living in coastal areas under storm signals nos. 3 and 2 are also alerted against storm surges.

A moment ago I was still browsing Facebook and checking what’s been going on, then I noticed the news about a new typhoon bordering the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

In the Philippines, Super Typhoon Usagi is known as Typhoon Odette. We’re quite lucky that the newly announced Super Typhoon is not directly hitting on us, even more so unlucky for those living in Hong Kong where the said typhoon is headed in the next couple of days.

In comparison to Hurricanes, Super Typhoon Usagi is a level 5 Hurricane.

Super Typhoon Usagi

Even though landfall in Hong Kong is at the time of this writing a bit uncertain, there is still good reason to be worried about it, should the typhoon continue its current track.

Usagi first has southern Taiwan in its sights. The center of the storm is forecast to pass just south of Taiwan, but its northeast quadrant – typically the most powerful, is likely to lash Taiwan’s south and east coast. Copious amounts of rain, damaging winds, and a substantial storm surge are possible there, particularly Saturday. – Washington Post