Severe Tropical Storm “Podul”, also known as “Gorio” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). While it poses a low direct risk to the Philippines, a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over Extreme Northern Luzon. The storm has intensified and is expected to make landfall in Taiwan on 13 August, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people and the cancellation of ferries and flights. After crossing Taiwan, the storm is forecast to move towards Hong Kong and China, where the Hong Kong Observatory may issue a T1 warning. The storm is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal areas of Guangdong with potential for power outages and transportation disruptions across the affected region.