Philippines: Typhoon Mangkhut to hit northern Luzon September 15 /update 2

Event

Super Typhoon Mangkhut (also known as Ompong) continues to move towards the Philippines, prompting the government to issue typhoon warnings on Thursday, September 13, for northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao. According to government forecasts as of 05:00 (local time) on September 13, Mangkhut is expected to make landfall on the morning of Saturday, September 15. Authorities warned that the storm, which is the most intense storm of the 2018 Pacific typhoon season, may strengthen before it hits the island with gusts up to 255 km/h (158 mph). The governor of Cagayan ordered evacuations along the northern coastline and islands on Thursday as a precaution and schools have been advised to close on Friday, September 14. Further evacuations are possible in the coming hours and days as the storm approaches. Mangkhut’s course has shifted slightly in the past 24 hours and may continue to change from its currently forecast route.

As of 05:00 on Thursday, Mangkhut is currently located approximately 780 km (484 mi) east of Guiuan (Eastern Samar) and moving west at 30 km/h (19 mph). The storm has maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h (127 mph) near the center.

Context

Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the west Pacific from May through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the abovementioned regions are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.