Typhoon enters Philippine area today

MANILA, Philippines — A typhoon, which is expected to enter the Philippine area of reponsibility today, will bring isolated rainshowers especially in the eastern sections of Southern Luzon and the Visayas, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said as of 3 p.m. yesterday, the center of the typhoon, with international name Mindulle, was at 1,475 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.

It was slowly moving north-northwestward with maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near its center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.

PAGASA said the trough of the typhoon, coupled with localized thunderstorms, would bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers over Metro Manila and the entire country.

It warned of possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, Mindulle will enter the Philippine area of responsibility this morning or afternoon. Once it is in the country, it will be given the local name Lannie.

The weather bureau said Mindulle’s stay in the Philippines would be brief, with low chance of making landfall. It was forecast to be outside the Philippines by tomorrow night or Thursday morning.

However, PAGASA said the typhoon might cause moderate to rough sea conditions over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon.

“Sea travel will be risky for small seacraft. Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea,” it said.