Typhoon Mina weakens further, continues north-northwest path

Typhoon Mina (Nanmadol) weakened further as it continued to move north-northwest Sunday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said. But PAGASA said Mina remains a threat to extreme northern Luzon due to the strong winds and heavy rain it will bring there. “Malakas pa ang ihip ng hangin at pag-ulan na mararamdaman sa extreme northern Luzon," PAGASA forecaster Manny Mendoza said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said Mina is expected to bring “moderate to heavy rainfall." PAGASA also hinted in its Twitter account weather conditions may start improving on Monday but there will still be rain. In a separate tweet, it also hinted the effects of Mina may be felt until Thursday. Also, PAGASA estimated 15 to 25 mm per hour of rainfall within the 600-km diameter of Mina. As of 4 a.m. Sunday, PAGASA said Mina was estimated at 90 km south-southwest of Basco, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph. It said Mina is forecast to move north-northwest at 7 kph and is expected to be 110 km northwest of Basco, Batanes by Monday morning. By Tuesday morning it is expected to be 280 km north-northwest of Basco, Batanes; and 440 km north of Basco, Batanes by Wednesday morning. Areas under Storm Signal No. 3 include:

• Batanes Group of Islands
• Northern Cagayan
• Babuyan Group of Islands
• Calayan Group of Islands

Areas under Signal No. 2 are:

• Ilocos Norte
• Abra
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Rest of Cagayan

Under Signal No. 1 are:

• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Mountain Province
• Benguet
• Ifugao
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Quirino
• Isabela
• Northern Aurora

PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals, and residents of Central and Southern Luzon against possible flash floods and landslides. It also warned those living in coastal areas to be alert against big waves or storm surges generated by Mina. — LBG, GMA News