Storm signals up as Mario approaches

MANILA, Philippines - The state weather bureau placed yesterday several areas in Luzon under storm warning signals as Tropical Storm Mario moved closer to the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA raised public storm warning signal no. 2 over Cagayan, including Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, and Northern Isabela as of 4 p.m. yesterday.

Signal no. 1, meanwhile, was hoisted over Catanduanes, the rest of Isabela, Northern Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Norte and Batanes Group of Islands.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the center of Mario was spotted at 576 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon with maximum winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Mario, the 13th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year, was forecast to move west-northwest at 26 kph.

PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the storm was expected to make landfall over Sta. Ana, Cagayan this afternoon.

It was expected to intensify into a severe tropical storm before hitting land, according to PAGASA senior weather forecaster Mario Palafox.

Palafox said moderate to heavy rains were expected to affect southern Luzon, including the Bicol region, and eastern and central Visayas beginning last night.