 Thereafter, the storm rapidly intensified while moving westward, taking advantage of favorable atmospheric conditions.Within 18 hours of being named, Bondo intensified into tropical cyclone status, or the equivalent of a minimal hurricane.On December 20, the MFR estimated peak 10–minute sustained winds of 205 km/h (125 mph), although the JTWC estimated stronger 1–minute winds of 250 km/h (155 mph).