Maria to bring rains until tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains are expected in several parts of the country as Typhoon Maria is forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility today, enhancing the southwest monsoon until tomorrow.

The typhoon, which will be locally named Gardo once within the Philippines, is unlikely to make landfall in any part of the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

But it would trigger monsoon rains over the region of Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Panay Island until Tuesday.

Occasional rains, meanwhile, will prevail over Metro Manila, the rest of Western Visayas, and western sections of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region and Central Luzon.

PAGASA advised residents of these areas, especially those living in low-lying and mountainous areas, to take appropriate measures against possible flooding and landslides due to heavy rains.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, Maria was located at 1,625 kilometers east of Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 190 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 235 kph.

It is forecast to move northwest at 23 kph.

Foreign meteorologists said Maria would remain a powerful super typhoon through the beginning of the week as it churns northwestward over the Philippine Sea.

The US-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) had already placed Gardo in the category of a super typhoon since last week.

PAGASA uses 10-minute average readings for a cyclone’s wind speed, while the JTWC uses one-minute average.

PAGASA categorizes a cyclone with maximum sustained winds of more than 220 kph as super typhoon.

Maria is expected to barrel across Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan and eastern China, threatening lives and property.

PAGASA said two to four tropical cyclones are predicted to enter the Philippines this month.