The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) said on Wednesday that super typhoon Hagibis is unlikely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) categorized the weather disturbance as a super typhoon. It is now moving towards Japan, saving the Philippines from heavy rains and strong destructive winds.
Weather specialist Meno Mendoza said Hagibis is barrelling across the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It was last seen 2,020 kilometers east of northern Luzon.
Hagibis has maximum sustained winds of 200 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 245 kph.
Mendoza added the super typhoon Hagibis would move northwest at 20 kph.
PAGASA earlier reported Hagibis would be named “Perla” once it enters PAR on Friday.
Meanwhile, Saipan already declared an emergency and started evacuation procedures on Tuesday in anticipation of the heavy rains and strong winds Hagibis will bring.
Local media quoted Guam Homeland Security, saying the eye of Hagibis passed over Anatahan Island, just 128 kilometers north of Saipan at around 0100hrs on Tuesday (1500GMT Monday).