Uwan maintains track toward Aurora or Isabela, threatens Catanduanes

Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) is likely to maintain its track toward Northern and Central Luzon as it makes landfall as a potential super typhoon tonight, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

- By GHIO ONG

With its expected landfall over either the province of Aurora or the southern part of Isabela province, the strong tropical cyclone — the 21st to hit the country this year — may pass by the provinces of Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur and exit in La Union, warned PAGASA weather division chief engineer Juanito Galang.

By the time it lands, it will traverse the area of Northern and Central Luzon between eight and 10 hours — or from tonight until tomorrow morning, he added.

Also probably hit by Uwan’s strong winds and torrential rains are areas in the Bicol Region — particularly Catanduanes, Albay and the Camarines provinces — as well as Samar Island where the storm is expected to move close before arriving in Aurora or Isabela.

These areas may be placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals No. 4 and 5, should it reach super typhoon category with winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour (kph).

The state weather bureau ae issued gale warnings, prohibiting maritime vessels to sail in the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas and the northeastern seaboard of Mindanao due to the threat of up to 14 meters of waves prevailing in the areas.

Storm surges of up to three meters will also hit coastal areas in Northern and Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol and Metro Manila, as well as those in Samar Island and Dinagat Islands.