Typhoon Hanna: Storm Signal No 2 raised over Batanes

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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The province of Batanes remains under Public Storm Warning Signal No 2 as Typhoon Hanna (international name Soudelor) maintains its strength and moves closer towards the Batanes-Taiwan area.

As of 10 am Friday, August 7, Hanna was spotted 395 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It packed maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers/hour (km/h) and gusts of up to 200 km/h. 

It is expected to continue moving west northwest at a speed of 20 km/h.

Batanes should brace for 61 to 120-km/h winds in the next 24 hours due to Hanna, warned state weather bureau PAGASA.

Such winds can cause light to moderate damage on exposed structures made of light material. They can unroof some cogon or nipa houses and peel off old galvanized iron roofs. Rice and corn crops may also experience significant damage.

Storm surge may also occur in coastal areas of the province, said PAGASA.

Venturing out to sea is unadvisable. Ocean waves will reach heights of 4.1 to 14 meters (13.4 to 46 feet). 

Storm Signal No 1 is still raised over Northern Cagayan, and the Babuyan and Calayan group of islands. These areas should be ready for 30 to 60-km/h winds in the next 36 hours. These winds may cause slight damage to structures made of light materials.

Waves at open sea may reach heights of 1.25 to 4 meters (4 to 13 feet).

Hanna will be outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday morning, August 9

The next typhoon update will be released at 5 pm. – Rappler.com