(Update) Typhoon ‘Lando’ Maintains Strength, Moves Slowly Toward North Luzon

Typhoon “Lando” (international name: Koppu) maintained its strength as it moves slowly toward the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Abra and Apayao, the state weather bureau said in its 11 a.m. weather bulletin.

As of 10 a.m., the center of typhoon “Lando” was located 20 kilometers west of Vigan City in Ilocos Sur and packed with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gust of up to 150 kph. It is forecast to move northeast at 5 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar said the typhoon is expected to linger in the country with its slow movement due to the presence of a high pressure area.

“Lando” is expected to be in the vicinity of Claveria, Cagayan on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, storm signal number 2 is hoisted over the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Benguet and Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan group of islands.

Storm signal number 1 is still raised in the provinces of Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Isabela and Batanes.

Meanwhile, the storm signal in the National Capital Region has been lifted. (PNA) JMC/CLTC