(ETH) – The Philipines are in the crosshairs for what is being deemed the strongest typhoon on record for the month of April. According to the report, Super Typhoon Surigae is currently in the West Pacific and approaching the Central Philippines this weekend.
The typhoon reportedly strengthened into a super typhoon with sustained winds of 150 mph (240 kph) and by the time Saturday night arrived the super typhoon had reported having intensified even further to wind speeds of 195 mph (314 kph), which is equivalent to a strong category 5 Atlantic hurricane.
Surigae has now surpassed Typhoon Thelma in 1956 which had maximum sustained winds of 278 kph (173 mph), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration historical hurricane database. Current data shows Surigae maintaining strength for the next couple of hours prior to weakening while passing just off of the east coast of the Philippines with the outer bands of this monster typhoon continuing to impact the Philippines.
Finally, it is projected to make its closest approach to the region on Sunday local time with tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rain, and rough seas.
