Marce continues northward path, maintains strength

MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon "Marce" (Sinlaku) maintained its strength as it continued to move north Thursday night, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. In its 11 p.m. advisory, Pagasa said "Marce" was estimated at 330 kilometers east-northeast of Basco, Batanes as of 10 p.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gustiness of 210 kph. "Marce" was moving north at 7 kph and is expected to be 420 km northeast of Basco, Batanes, by Friday evening. By Saturday, evening it is expected to be 440 km north-northeast of Basco, Batanes. By Sunday evening, it is expected to be 590 km north of Basco, Batanes or 120 km North of Taipei, Taiwan. Areas under Storm Signal No. 2 include the Batanes group of islands. Those under Storm Signal No. 1 include the Babuyan group of islands and the Calayan group of islands. Pagasa said "Marce" would continue to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Luzon and Visayas particularly in the western sections, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. - GMANews.TV