7 areas now under signal #3

MANILA — Storm signal number 3 has been raised over seven provinces as Typhoon "Santi" slightly intensifies while moving closer to Luzon, the state weather bureau said before yesterday noon.

At a televised press briefing, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Santi was last observed at 240 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora at 10 a.m.

The typhoon has intensified further, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 160 kph as it continues to move closer to Northern Luzon. It was forecast to move west northwest at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour

PAGASA said Santi is expected to make landfall over the northern Aurora-Isabela area on Friday night to early Saturday morning. The 19th cyclone that entered the country this year will cross the provinces of Isabela, Quirino, Neuva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Ifugao, Benguet, Pangasinan and La Union.

The agency said heavy to intense rainfall is estimated within the 500- kilometer diameter of the typhoon. Stormy weather is expected over Aurora and Northern Quezon this afternoon and over the rest of Central and Northern Luzon on Friday night.

Metro Manila and Southern Luzon is expected to experience occasional rains and gusty winds today.

PAGASA warned residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals against possible flashfloods and landslides while those living in coastal areas are alerted against storm surges.

The weather bureau said Santi is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday morning. But on the same day, a tropical cyclone is also seen to enter the country's borders and will be named "Tino."