TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Typhoon Lawin gained strength as it continues to head towards Northern Luzon, the state weather bureau said.
In its weather bulletin issued 5 am on Tuesday, October 12, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA said Lawin has intensified and will intensify further before its forecast landfall over Cagayan area.
The provinces of Cagayan and Isabela were placed under storm warning signal No.1 with Northern Aurora and Catanduanes.
PAGASA said the typhoon was last located in 1,075 km East of Daet, Camarines Norte, moving west northwest at a speed of 24 kph.
Lawin has maximum winds of up to 185 kph and gustiness of up to 230 kph. Forecasts said the typhoon could reach its supertyphoon category before landfall.
Moderate to strong winds will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon. The coastal waters throughout the country will be moderate to rough.
PAGASA said moderate to heavy rain is expected within the 700-km diameter of the typhoon. It is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday, October 21. TNF
