Philippines Typhoon 2014 Hagupit (Ruby) satellite image

Philippines Typhoon 2014 - Hagupit (Ruby)

A new super typhoon threatens the Philippines.

***UPDATE: TYPHOON HAGUPIT (RUBY) HITS THE PHILIPPINES***

The Philippines is on high alert as a significant tropical cyclone gathers strength in the Western Pacific 13 months after the country was devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan. The new storm, Super Typhoon Hagupit, has wind gusts of up to 170 km/h (105 mph) the BBC reports.

While wind speeds are not expected to be as strong as those of Typhoon Haiyan, the most powerful typhoon on record, Hagupit (called Ruby within the Philippines) has the potential to bring with it a significant and destructive storm surge up to four meters high if it does make landfall in the country. The most recent forecasts indicate an increasing likelihood of danger for the Philippines and possible landfall on Saturday evening local time.

Image courtesy of Kathy Strabala/CIMSS