'Carina' likely to intensify into super typhoon as it leaves PH

MANILA, Philippines — Although it has been far from the landmass, Typhoon «Carina» would likely intensify into a super typhoon category before it makes landfall in Taiwan while still within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state-run weather agency said on Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its 11 a.m. bulletin that the typhoon has further intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (khp) near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.

The center of Carina's eye was estimated at 345 kms north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes while moving north-northwestward 15 kph, the agency said.

Signal No. 2 remains up over Batanes, Signal No. 1 over Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Santa Ana and Gonzaga), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Burgos, Bangui, Pagudpud, Dumalneg and Adams) in Luzon, Pagasa said.

Carina has been forecast to make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan either Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning, the latest advisory said.

«The possibility of reaching Super Typhoon category prior to landfall in Taiwan is not ruled out,» it added.

Carina would likely exit PAR Thursday morning, the state weather bureau said.

It added that the southwest monsoon or «habagat» is being enhanced by Carina and is dumping heavy to intense rains in most parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, and adjoining provinces.