Typhoon Queenie speeds up, gains strength

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Queenie (international name: Kong-rey) has slightly intensified and accelerated Monday morning while moving in a west northwest direction, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

“Queenie” is now carrying maximum sustained winds of 200 kilometers per hour near the center from the previous 180 kph and gusts of up to 245 kph from the previous 220 kph.

It is now moving west northwest at 20 kph.

As of 10 a.m., “Queenie” was seen 1,130 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

PAGASA said that the typhoon is forecast to strengthen further in the next 24 to 36 hours. No hoisting of tropical cyclone warning signals is also expected.

But those living in the eastern section of the country will experience light to at times moderate rains due to the trough or the extension of the typhoon.

Isolated thunderstorms, on the other hand, will affect most parts of the Philippines.

Since strong to gale force winds are expected over northern Luzon, small seacrafts are advised not to venture out to sea.

“Queenie”—the 17th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this year—will leave the country’s jurisdiction by Friday.

Forecast positions

• Wednesday morning: 820 km east of Basco, Batanes
• Thursday morning: 600 km east northeast of Basco, Batanes
• Friday morning: 685 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes (outside PAR)
• Saturday morning 1,120 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes (outside PAR)

— Gaea Katreena Cabico