Typhoon Hanna gains strength; Rainy Thursday in Luzon seen

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Hanna (international name: Lekima) intensified further on Thursday, with monsoon rains expected over most parts of Luzon.

“Hanna” now packs maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 215 kph.

It was last spotted 485 kilometers east northeast of Basco, Batanes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Pagasa said the outer rainbands of “Hanna” will bring light to moderate to at times heavy rains and gusty winds over Batanes and the Babuyan group of islands, which are under Signal No. 1.

Moderate to heavy monsoon rains may affect the Mimaropa region, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite and Batangas.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains may prevail in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon and Western Visayas on Thursday.  / gsg

Hanna is moving northwest at 15 kph and is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday morning.