TS "Mina" becomes typhoon

Tropical storm "Mina" (international name: Nanmadol) has intensified and has been turned into a typhoon and now threatens Northern Luzon.

In its latest weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration estimated "Mina" to be 310 east of Casiguran, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of up ti 120 kilometers per hour near the center with gustiness of up to 150 kph moving west northwestward at 7 kph.

Pagasa estimated "Mina" to be 220 km northeast of Casiguran, Aurora by Friday morning.

Public storm warning signal number 1 has been raised in Northern Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan. Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under these areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

"Mina" is also expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring scattered to widespread rains over Southern Luzon and Visayas particularly over the western section. — ARA