'Nona' intensifies into typhoon; 7 areas placed under Signal No. 2

MANILA – Seven areas in Luzon and the Visayas are now under Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) No. 2 as severe tropical storm “Nona” has intensified into a typhoon and is now moving in a westward direction, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday afternoon.

PAGASA defines a typhoon as an intense tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed exceeding 118 kilometers per hour (kph).

PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong told the Philippines News Agency that as of 4 p.m., the eye of typhoon "Nona" was located at 440 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar (12.3°N, 128.7°E) packed with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of u
p to 170 kph.

Quitlong said the typhoon is moving westward at 19 kph and maintaining its speed and movement, it is expected to make landfall in Sorsogon province at around 9-11 a.m.on Monday.

PSWS No. 2 (61-120 kph winds expected in 24 hours) is hoisted over the provinces of Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Ticao Island in Luzon; Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar in the Visayas.

Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds expected in 36 hours) is raised over southern Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Masbate, including Burias Island in Luzon; Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Northern Cebu, including Camotes Island in the Visayas; and Dinagat province and Siargao Island in Mindanao.

Occasional rains and gusty winds will be experienced over the provinces under PSWS #1 while those under PSWS #2 will have stormy weather.

Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas of the provinces with PSWS are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides.

The estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 300-km diameter of the typhoon.

Qutilong said the state weather will possibly raise PSWS #1 over the rest of Southern Luzon, Aklan, Capiz and Metro Manila tonight.

He noted that Metro Manila is expected to come under Signal No. 2 by Monday night.

He said the state-run weather bureau also issued a gale warning due to the effects of typhoon "Nona" as the sea condition would be rough to very rough due to strong to gale force winds expected to affect the eastern seaboard of Luzon and the Visayas.

"Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," he said. (PNA)