Marce intensifies into typhoon

Typhoon Marce will continue to intensify and reach its peak as it makes landfall over Northern Luzon tomorrow, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

- ROMINA CABRERA

Marce was monitored 480 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela as of 4 p.m. yesterday and was moving northwestward at 25 km per hour. It is expected to make landfall or pass close to the Babuyan Islands or the northern portion of mainland Cagayan on Thursday afternoon or evening.

The typhoon was carrying maximum sustained winds of 130 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 was raised over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the northern portion of Benguet, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and the northern portion of Aurora.

PAGASA said the highest wind signal that could be hoisted during Marce's passage is signal No. 4. Marce may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday afternoon or evening.