“Vinta” intensifies into typhoon; is expected to leave PAR today

(Eagle News) — “Vinta” has intensified into a typhoon as it approaches the western boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the eye of “Vinta” was seen 355 kilometers south southeast of Pagasa Island in Palawan.

It is packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 145 kilometers per hour.

It is forecast to move west at 25 kilometers per hour, and is expected to leave PAR between 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. today.

Signal Num. 1 has been hoisted over southern Palawan.

“Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains will prevail over Palawan. Residents of these areas must take appropriate actions against flooding and landslides, coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates,” PAGASA said.

It added sea travel “remains risky over the western seaboard of Palawan due to the typhoon.”