Storm surge warnings, preemptive evacuation, and cancellation of face-to-face classes are among measures taken as Typhoon Odette (international name Rai) is expected to make landfall midnight tonight, or early tomorrow morning.
The weather bureau has placed Negros Occidental under Tropical Storm Warning Signal Number 3 as of 11 a.m. in cities and municipalities like San Carlos City, Don Salvador Benedicto, Talisay, Silay City, Bacolod City, Murcia, Bago City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, La Carlota City, San Enrique, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, Ilog Cauayan, Candoni, Sipalay, and Hinoba-an.
The rest of Negros Occidental is under Storm Signal Number 2.
Odette as of press time is moving with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/hr and gustiness of up to 230 km/hr.
Certain schools and institutions in the city have suspended face-to-face classes including Alangilan National High School.
City Disaster Czar Jose Maria Vargas said the city has also readied its evacuation centers and areas for those affected by possible flooding, especially those living in flood-prone areas.