Typhoon2000.com - BOPHA (26W) Storm Update

Bopha reaches Super Typhoon intensity...moving dangerously towards the Republic of Palau...expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this afternoon or early tonight.

Important Note: This howler is similar in strength and track of Super Typhoon Mike (Ruping) which passed over Palau in November 1990. Please take all precautionary measures on this extremely dangerous cyclone. Refer to your national disaster agencies for more details.

Super Typhoon Bopha is expected to continue moving generally west-northwest for the next 24 to 48 hours while maintaining its forward speed...and this motion will continue throughout the forecast period. On the forecast track, the core of Bopha is expected to pass over or very close to Palau Islands early this evening between 7:00-8:00 am Philippine Time...and could be over or very close to Surigao City and Siargao Islands on Tuesday afternoon around sunset. Bopha may start to traverse Central Visayas Tuesday evening, passing in between Bohol and Southern Leyte...and cross Central Cebu after midnight on Wednesday...and over Negros Oriental very near Sagay and Cadiz Cities around sunrise on Wednesday.

Bopha will continue gaining strength during the next 12 to 24 hours...and could become a Category 5 Super Typhoon. A decrease in its strength is forecast beginning Tuesday morning as Bopha moves into an area of lower Ocean Heat Content (OHC) or slightly cooler sea-surface temperatures and begin interaction with the land mass of Mindanao and the Visayas on Wednesday.