MANILA, (PNA) — Typhoon “Haiyan” continues to intensify while over the Pacific Ocean and is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Thursday morning, according the state weather bureau.
In its 11 a.m. Wednesday advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the eye of the typhoon was located at 1,411 kilometers east of Mindanao (7.4°N, 139.1°E) with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 185 kph.
It is forecast to move west-northwest at 30 kph.
Weathermen said the cyclone is expected to enter the PAR early Thursday morning.
Once it enters the country’s vicinity, PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said the typhoon will be locally-named “Yolanda.”
It would be the 24th cyclone this year and the second to enter the Philippines this month.
According to Perez, the typhoon is expected to make landfall over the Samar-Leyte provinces Friday (between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.) and to exit the PAR early Sunday morning.
He advised residents in the areas that may be affected to be prepared for flash floods and landslides.