‘Queenie’ weakens, slows down

MANILA, Philippines — The strength and speed of Typhoon Queenie (international name: Kong-rey) have decreased as it continues to move away from the Philippines, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday.

As of 10 a.m., “Queenie” was seen 795 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.

It now carries maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center from the previous 200 kph and gusts of up to 225 kph from the previous 245 kph.

“Queenie” is now moving northwest at 15 kph, slower than the previous 20 kph.

While the typhoon is not expected to hit any landmass, the trough or extention of “Queenie” will still bring light to at times moderate rains over the eastern section of the country.

Sea travel over the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon and eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas remains risky due to rough to very rough seas associated with the weather disturbance.

“Queenie”—the 17th tropical cyclone that entered the Philippine area of responsibility—will exit the country’s jurisdiction by Friday.

Forecast positions

• Thursday morning: 635 km east northeast of Basco, Batanes
• Friday morning: 815 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes (outside PAR)
• Saturday morning: 1,389 km north northeast of Basco, Batanes (outside PAR)

— Gaea Katreena Cabico