Lawin could become super typhoon before landfall

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MANILA, Philippines – State weather bureau PAGASA warned that Typhoon Lawin (Haima) could intensify into a super typhoon before hitting land.

Northern Luzon would bear the brunt of the powerful typhoon.

In its bulletin issued 5 pm on Tuesday, PAGASA said Lawin is already 930 kilometers east of Tayabas, Quezon, moving west northwest towards Northern Luzon at 25 kilometers per hour (km/h).

The typhoon maintained its strength, with maximum winds of up to 185 km/h and gustiness of up to 230 km/h.

Moderate to intense rain is expected within Lawin’s 650-km diameter.

Signal number 1 is now raised in the following areas:

• Ilocos Norte
• Apayao
• Cagayan including Calayan Group of Islands
• Batanes
• Isabela
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Ilocos Sur
• Mt Province
• Ifugao
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Benguet
• La Union
• Aurora
• Nueva Ecija
• Pangasinan
• Catanduanes
• Polillo Island

PAGASA warned that signal number 4 or 5 might be raised in Cagayan (including the Calayan Group of Islands), Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and northern Isabela on Wednesday night, October 19.

If indeed these areas are placed under signal number 4 or 5, there would be very strong winds 220 km/h or more and gustiness of up to 365 km/h or more.

Such winds “can destroy high- to low-risk structures” as well as topple trees and transmission towers, according to the state weather bureau.

Storm surges up to 5 meters high are also possible in Cagayan (including the Calayan Group of Islands), Isabela, and Ilocos Norte.

Lawin is expected to intensify even further before making landfall in the Cagayan area early Thursday morning, October 20.

It will then cross Ilocos Norte and Apayao after making landfall.

PAGASA said sea travel is risky in the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon and the northern and eastern seaboards of Samar.

Lawin is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Friday, October 21.

– Rappler.com