MANILA, Philippines – Severe Tropical Storm Hanna (international name Lekima) has intensified into a typhoon, the state weather bureau said Wednesday.
“Hanna” was last spotted 625 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, blowing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 150 kph.
Signal No. 1 has been raised over Batanes and the Babuyan group of islands.
“Hanna” will enhance the southwest monsoon on the western side of the country.
Hence, moderate to heavy rains will be experienced in the northern portions of Palawan (including Calamian and Cuyo Islands), Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Batangas, Cavite, Zambales, Bataan, Aklan, Antique and the Ilocos Region.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will be experienced in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Central Visayas and Western Visayas. /gsg