Typhoon Wutip weakens as it nears Philippine waters

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Wutip has weakened slightly as it continues to inch closer to the Philippine area of responsibility, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday.

As of 10 a.m., “Wutip” was estimated to be located at 1,985 kilometers east of Central Luzon. It is moving north slowly.

The typhoon’s maximum sustained winds weakened to 160 kilometers per hour near the center from the previous 185 kph. Its gusts also went down to 195 kph from the previous 225 kph.

Wutip is seen to enter the country’s area of responsibility by Thursday. Once it is inside PAR, the typhoon will be given a local name “Betty.”

Forecast positions and intensities

• Thursday morning: 1,565 km east of Central Luzon (tropical storm)
• Friday morning: 1,245 km east of Central Luzon (tropical depression)
• Saturday morning: 1,100 km east of Aparri, Cagayan (low pressure area)

—  Gaea Katreena Cabico