‘Jenny nearing super typhoon category’

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Jenny is expected to intensify further and will almost reach the super typhoon category as it may pack maximum sustained winds of more than 160 kilometers per hour (kph), state meteorologists said yesterday.

During a press briefing, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Jenny would bring moderate to heavy to at times intense rain over Batanes.

“In terms of intensity in the next few days, Typhoon Jenny will maintain its strength and we do not discount the possibility that it will reach more than 160 kph, almost a super typhoon, but not quite,” PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said.

“The diameter of Typhoon Jenny is expected to widen as it approaches the Philippine Sea, where it will affect Northern Luzon,” Estareja said.

He said Jenny has intensified as it accelerated north-westward over the Philippine Sea.

The center of the tropical cyclone was located 600 kms east of Calayan, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.

“Based on the satellite animation, the outer portion of Typhoon Jenny will affect many areas in Aurora as well as in Bicol and Cagayan Valley,” Estareja said.

Jenny will also enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring rain in certain areas in Luzon and the Visayas.

The center of Jenny was located 200 to 300 kms of Batanes.

“By Wednesday and Thursday, Batanes will experience heavy rain. On worst case scenario, we will raise wind signal No. 3,” Estareja said.

Aside from Batanes, heavy rain may be experienced over Babuyan Islands and in the northern portions of Apayao, mainland Cagayan and Ilocos Norte tomorrow or on Thursday.

Light to moderate to at times intense rain may prevail over Metro Manila tomorrow.

The Batanes disaster risk reduction and management office is on red alert after the province was placed under Typhoon Signal No. 1.

“Classes in all levels, both private and public have been canceled, but work in government offices will continue,” Roldan Esdicul, Batanes disaster management officer, said.

Authorities prohibited small boats from venturing into the sea.

In Apayao, classes from kindergarten to Grade 12 including the Alternative Learning System were suspended as the province was placed under tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 yesterday. — Jun Elias, Artemio Dumlao