The state weather bureau is closely monitoring a typhoon with the international name “Hinnamnor” moving closer toward the Philippine Area of Responsibility, bringing heavy rains over Northern Luzon.
In its weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said the typhoon was last tracked over 1,655 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon.
“Hinnamnor” is moving generally westward over the sea south of Japan on Tuesday. It is expected to then turn west-southwestward on Wednesday while decelerating over the sea southeast of the Ryukyu Islands.
Once it enters PAR mostly likely by Wednesday evening, the typhoon will be named “Gardo.” It packs maximum sustained winds of 165 km per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 205 km/h, and a central pressure of 945 hectopascals.
“Hinnamnor” is forecast to slow down as it moves southwestward over the northern Philippine Sea. It may become almost stationary by Friday through Saturday this week.
The typhoon continues to rapidly intensify over the sea south of Japan and reaches the Super Typhoon category within 24 hours.
The extent of tropical cyclone winds will continue to expand in the coming days as it moves towards the northern Philippine Sea.
Once in PAR, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal will be hoisted over extreme Northern Luzon.
PAGASA said Hinnamnor may bring rough seas over the northern and eastern seaboard of Luzon beginning late Thursday or early Friday.
Under such conditions, it may be risky for small seacrafts. Mariners are advised to continue monitoring for weather updates.
Meanwhile, a low-pressure area which was last tracked over 1,235 km east of extreme Northern Luzon, will cause weather disturbance and may develop into a tropical depression within 24 hours.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected to prevail over Aurora, CALABARZON and Camarines Norte.
The PAGASA regional services divisions may issue local heavy rainfall warnings and advisories should the weather gets severe.
“Florita” was the last severe tropical storm that hit the Philippines, leaving three casualties and at least P19.1 million of damage in agriculture.