Typhoon Lando maintains strength; 6 areas under Signal No. 2

MANILA, Philippines – Six areas are now under Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2 as Typhoon Lando maintained its strength on Friday afternoon, October 16.

As of 4 pm Friday, state weather bureau PAGASA estimated the center of Lando at 510 km east of Baler, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 160 km/h.

It is moving west in direction and moving closer to the Isabela-Aurora area at 15 km/h, with heavy to intense rainfall estimated within the typhoon’s 600-km diameter. 

The typhoon is expected to make landfall on Saturday early morning, October 17. PAGASA said Northern Luzon and Central Luzon should brace for moderate to heavy and heavy to intense rains from Saturday to Monday, October 19. 

Signal No. 2 (61-120 km/h expected in 24 hours) has been raised over 6 areas:

• Aurora
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Nueva Ecija
• Northern Quezon, including Polillo Island

Storm surge is possible at coastal areas under this storm signal, as open sea wave height can go from 4.1 m to 14.0 m.

Meanwhile, 21 areas are now under Signal No. 1 (30-60 km/h expected in 36 hours): 

• Cagayan
• Abra
• Kalinga
• Mt. Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Pangasinan
• Bulacan
• Pampanga
• Tarlac
• Zambales
• Bataan
• Rizal
• Laguna
• Rest of Quezon
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Catanduanes
• Metro Manila

“Starting tomorrow, occasional rains and gusty winds will be experienced over provinces under PSWS #1 while those under PSWS #2 will have stormy weather,” the bureau said in its 5 pm bulletin. 

PAGASA has warned fisherfolk against venturing out over the northern and eastern seaboard of Luzon, and the eastern seaboard of Visayas. 

The next bulletin on Typhoon Lando will be issued at 11 pm Friday. – Rappler.com