By Ma. Cristina Arayata | Philippine News Agency
Super Typhoon “Mawar” has intensified over the Philippine Sea as it nears the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), bringing strong to typhoon-force winds that extend up to 550 kilometers from the center.
In its weather advisory Friday, May 26, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the eye of “Mawar,” last observed at 3:00 a.m., was 1,740 km east of southeastern Luzon, outside the PAR.
It packs maximum sustained winds of 215 (kilometers per hour) kph near the center and gusts of 265 kph, moving west at 20 kph.
“Mawar,” to be given the local name “Betty” once it enters PAR, is expected Friday night or Saturday, according to the weather bureau.
Although “Mawar” could slightly weaken by Saturday, it is still expected to remain a super typhoon until early Monday. It is forecast to reach its peak intensity within 24 to 36 hours.
The tropical cyclone may bring heavy rains, which may trigger flooding or rain-induced landslides, over Northern Luzon beginning late Sunday or Monday.
Strong to storm-force conditions may be experienced over extreme Northern Luzon, while strong to gale-force conditions are possible over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon mainland, PAGASA said.
The bureau said the southwesterly wind flow and localized thunderstorms will continue to dampen a huge part of the country.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms still prevail over the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and BARMM due to the southwesterly wind flow.
Flash floods or landslides are possible in those areas due to moderate to at times heavy rains, PAGASA said.
Isolated rain showers caused by the southwesterly wind flow and localized thunderstorms will still be experienced over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
PAGASA warned that flash floods or landslides are possible during severe thunderstorms.
Moderate winds and moderate seas will prevail over the eastern section of Luzon and the Visayas.
Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas.
