MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon "Karen" (Nuri) maintained its strength as it continued its approach towards Northern Luzon Tuesday night, state weather forecasters said.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 10 p.m., "Karen" was 210 km east-northeast of Tuguegarao City.
It was packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.
"Karen" was moving west-northwest at 22 kph and is expected to make landfall over the northern tip of Cagayan before noon Wednesday.
On Wednesday evening it is expected to be 300 km Northwest of Aparri, Cagayan. By Thursday evening it is expected to be 540 km northwest of Basco, Batanes or 590 kms northwest of Laoag City.
Areas under public storm signal 3 include Cagayan, Northern Isabela, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Babuyan Group of Islands, and Calayan Group of Islands.
Under Storm Signal No. 2 are the rest of Isabela, Northern Aurora, Quirino, La Union, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, Mt. Province, and Ifugao.
Under Storm Signal No. 1 are Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, the rest of Aurora, and Polilio Island.
Pagasa said "Karen" is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao especially in the western sections.
It cautioned residents along the coastal areas under Public Storm Warning Signal Numbers 2 and 3 against big waves and storm surges generated by "Karen." - GMANews.TV