Typhoon Yutu enters Phl today

The state weather bureau warned yesterday residents of Northern and Central Luzon to prepare for heavy rains next week due to Typhoon Yutu.

The typhoon, which will be given the local name Rosita when it enters the country today, was forecast to make landfall in Cayagan on Wednesday.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spotted the eye of the storm at 1,815 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.

The typhoon packed winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 225 kph.

The storm was forecast to move west-northwest at 20 kph.

If it maintains its present speed and track, PAGASA said the typhoon is likely to hit Northern Luzon and the eastern section of Central Luzon between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tropical cyclone warning signals may be raised over Isabela and Cagayan as early as Monday, the weather bureau added.

Moderate to heavy rains are expected over Northern and Central Luzon beginning Monday evening, it said.

Yutu was projected to be in the vicinity of Cagayan by Wednesday morning.

Last month, Typhoon Ompong lashed Luzon, leaving at least 68 persons dead and 138 others injured in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon and National Capital Region.