Typhoon Queenie to bring rains to eastern Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The eastern section of the country will continue to experience rains due to Typhoon Queenie (international name Kong-Rey), which has gathered strength over the Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

Queenie, packing winds of 200 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 245 kph, was forecast to intensify further in the next 24 to 36 hours.

Although it was not expected to make landfall in any part of the country, the trough or outer band of the typhoon brought light to at times moderate rains over the eastern side of the country.

PAGASA senior weather foracaster Gener Quitlong said Queenie was expected to develop into a super typhoon before heading to Japan.

He said the outer cloud band of Queenie dumped rains over Cagayan Valley, Bicol region and Aurora province.

The trough or extension of the typhoon also brought rains over eastern Visayas.

Likewise, the typhoon generated waves as high as 4.5 meters over extreme Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Visayas.

“Small sea vessels are advised not to venture out to sea,” Quitlong warned.

As of 3 p.m., the eye of Queenie was spotted at 1,080 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

It was forecast to move northwest at 15 kph.

Quitlong said if the typhoon moves west-northwest, PAGASA may raise a tropical cyclone warning signal over extreme Northern Luzon.

Queenie is the 17th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year and the first weather disturbance this month.

It is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday, Quitlong said.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will continue to experience fair weather apart from isolated thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned of possible flashfloods and landslides due to severe thunderstorms.