Typhoon Vinta PAGASA Update November 1, 2013

Typhoon Vinta (International name: Krosa) has maintained its strength and is now off the coast of Ilocos Norte, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Friday morning, November 1.

Typhoon Vinta track forecast (Source: PAGASA)

According to the PAGASA, the eye of Typhoon Vinta was located at 70 km North Northwest of Laoag City (18.8°N, 120.1°E) at 4:00am. Moving West Northwestward at 22 kph, The cyclone is packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

Bagyong Vinta is expected to be outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this afternoon and at 540 km West Northwest of Laoag City by tomorrow morning, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau has hoisted Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) have been over the following areas:

PSWS #3 (Winds of 101-185 kph is expected in at least 18 hrs) : Ilocos Norte.

PSWS # 2 (Winds of 61-100 kph is expected in at least 24 hrs) : Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga and Ilocos Sur.

PSWS # 1 (Winds of 30-60 kph is expected in at least 36 hours) : Batanes Group of Islands, Isabela, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Benguet and La Union.

"Estimated rainfall amount is from 5.0 - 15.0 mm per hour (moderate - heavy) within the 500 km diameter of the Typhoon," PAGASA said. "Areas under Public Storm Warning Signals #3 and #2 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Moreover, their coastal areas are alerted against possible storm surges."

It added: "Sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and over the western seaboard of Central Luzon."