Super Typhoon Mangkhut has gathered strength as it barrels towards the Philippines, weather officials say.
The storm is now packing winds of 255 km/h (160 mph) and officials say more than five million people are directly in its path.
Last-minute preparations are under way before it makes landfall on the northern tip of the main island of Luzon by Saturday.
Flights have been cancelled, schools shut and the army is on standby.
Officials have said that the storm, which is 900km in diameter, will be powerful enough to remain a “considerable threat” even if it slows down before making landfall.