Yolanda's strongest side may hit Manila -NASA

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - US-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) warned that Manila may receive a lashing from super typhoon Yolanda's strongest side, its northeastern quadrant.

NASA scientist Rob Gutro said in a post on Friday that the country's capital will be heavily affected by the year's strongest cyclone as it cuts across Visayas. (Read NASA reports on Haiyan here)

This is estimated through the typhoon's forecast track, moving west-northwest at 40.7 kilometers per hour, Gutro said. The cyclone is also generating extremely dangerous waves reaching heights of up to 15 feet.

"Yolanda" is said to be equivalent to a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, packing heavy rainfall and winds.

"The Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated that gusts are as strong as 370.4 kph," Gutro said.

Website Accuweather, however, predicts that Yolanda's most powerful side will spare populous Manila.

"The worst of the storm will bypass the capital city of Manila, but wind gusts could reach 80 kph (50 mph) with 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) of rain," the site says.

State weather agency PAGASA said Metro Manila is expected to experience strong winds and heavy rains brought by Yolanda between 5 p.m. and 6: p.m. on Friday as it hovers directly over Mindoro area.

A category 5 hurricane or typhoon is seen to cause "catastrophic damage."

"A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months," the NASA officer wrote.

As of 8:00 am on Friday, the eye of the cyclone was located at the vicinity of Ormoc City, Leyte.

After ravaging the country, Yolanda is forecasted to head for the South China Sea and leave the Philippine Areas of Responsibility late Saturday.