Storm threatens PAR, N. Luzon

A tropical storm outside the Philippine area of responsibility intensified into a typhoon on Thursday and may enter the Philippines today, Friday, the weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Typhoon “Haishen” was last spotted 1,800 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, and would be named “Kristine” once it enters the Philippines.

Weathermen are now closely monitoring the storm, but it is expected to head for Japan.

“Haishen” is packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour and gustiness of 150 kilometers per hour, and is moving west-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour.