Strong Typhoon Nona (Melor) Intensifies, Threatens Visayas, Philippines - December 14, 2015

Strong Typhoon Nona (Melor) Intensifies, Threatens Visayas, Philippines on December 14, 2015. Several agencies suggests that typhoon Nona is getting stronger right now.

Typhoon MELOR (NONA) is strengthening as it approaches the Philippines. The latest forecast tracks from all agencies bring it just N of Samar and into the Bicol Region tomorrow (Monday) night. IMPORTANT: We're noticing *wild* disparities in how various agencies and other sources are describing the intensity. PAGASA says it's only a tropical storm; others are saying it's a Cat-4 typhoon. This page's position is that reality falls between these extremes. The JTWC currently has the intensity at 90 knots (105 mph) a Cat 2. The latest satellite images suggest it's stronger, probably a Cat 3. It is *certainly* a typhoon, and we hope PAGASA will describe it this way soon. But it is not a super typhoon-- at least not yet so it's incorrect to describe it that way right now. Given the disparities, this page will describe MELOR as a strong typhoon for now and leave it at that. Members in N Samar and the Bicol Region need to prepare NOW for a strong typhoon. Folks in CALABARZON and MIMAROPA are also in the path, although the cyclone will be weaker in those places. N parts of the Central and Western Visayas may experience gales.