Typhoon Nock-Ten set to hit Philippines on 25 December

Philippines' weather bureau is predicting more modest wind speeds.

Representational image. AP

"Our people are being made aware that we could get hit on Christmas Day," Romina Marasigan, spokeswoman for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, told AFP.

"The highest levels of preparedness are being undertaken," she said, including stocking up designated evacuation centres with food and other provisions.

Millions of Filipinos are travelling by land, sea or air to their hometowns for the festive holiday.

Local weather authorities said the storm could brush past Manila after Christmas Day if it maintained its current path.