‘Nona’ intensifies into typhoon

Source: PAGASA

TROPICAL cyclone “Nona” (international name: Melor) has intensified into a typhoon, the state weather bureau said Sunday afternoon.

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the storm had maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon was estimated at 440 kilometers east of Catarman, northern Samar and was forecast to move west at 19 kilometers per hour.

Public storm warning signal No. 2 was hoisted over Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Ticao Island, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar. Pagasa warned of possible storm surge in coastal areas.

Public storm warning signal No. 1 was also raised over Southern Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate including Burias Island, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Cebu including Camotes Island, Dinagat province and Siargao Island.

Pagasa said it is possible to raise signal No. 1 over the rest of Southern Luzon, Aklan, Capiz and Metro Manila Sunday night.