‘Gardo’ enters PAR; monsoon rain forecast in Luzon, Visayas

Typhoon “Maria” (international name) has entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early Monday and has taken the local name ‘Gardo’.

Parts of Luzon and Visayas will experience monsoon rain enhanced by the typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Mimaropa and Western Visayas will have rain, while occasional showers are expected over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, the Bicol Region, Zambales, Bataan and Aurora until Tuesday.

Pagasa said monsoon rain could last over the western section of Luzon until Wednesday.

Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas are warned to take appropriate action against possible flooding and landslides.

Sea travel is dangerous over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon.

Gardo was last spotted 1,325 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, blowing maximum sustained winds of 200 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 245 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 30 kph. /cbb