'Nando' could reach super typhoon category as it nears northern Luzon—PAGASA

Tropical Depression Nando tracked slowly over the Philippine Sea Thursday, Sept. 18, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warning it may intensify into a super typhoon as it moves toward Northern Luzon.

- JEL SANTOS and MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the agency said the weather disturbance is forecast to move slowly northwestward over the Philippine Sea in the next 48 hours before turning west northwestward by Saturday afternoon towards Extreme Northern Luzon.

"Nando will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach typhoon category by Saturday. Further intensification into the super typhoon category while traversing the Extreme Northern Luzon is not ruled out," PAGASA said.

The agency urged disaster risk reduction offices and residents in high-risk areas to be ready.