Another typhoon threatens northern Luzon this week

The state weather bureau on Sunday warned that incoming Severe Tropical Storm “Lawin” (international name: Haima) is expected to intensify into a typhoon by the time it hits northern Luzon around Wednesday or Thursday.

The storm packed maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts up to 130 kph while about 1,600 kilometers east of Visayas as of Sunday morning.

It is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday.

“We are warning northern and central Luzon that they may be hit again,” said weather forecaster Robert Badrina.

Lawin’s rain will start to be felt in the eastern section of the country by Wednesday, he said.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration readily lowered warning signals with the exit of Typhoon “Karen” (international name: Sarika) on Sunday morning. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN