Typhoon Jose intensifies further; heavy to intense rain expected over NCR, Luzon

Typhoon Jose (Halong) gained more strength as it moved west-northwest before noon Sunday, state weather PAGASA said, adding that enhanced southwest monsoon would bring heavy to intense rain over Metro Manila and four Luzon regions.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Typhoon Jose was estimated at 1,100 km east of Casiguran, Aurora as of 10 a.m.

Jose packed maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 220 kph, and is forecast to move west-northwest at 11 kph.

PAGASA said Typhoon Jose may be 870 km east of Casiguran, Aurora by Monday morning and at 800 km east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan by Tuesday morning.

By Wednesday morning, it is expected to be 800 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes.

PAGASA said Jose is not likely to affect any part of the country at this time.

Heavy rain over NCR, Luzon regions

PAGASA also said heavy rain is expected over Metro Manila and other Luzon regions as Jose picks up strength.

Metro Manila and four other regions in Luzon will continue to experience heavy to intense rain this Sunday, it said.

Moreover, PAGASA said occasional rain showers will also affect Central Luzon, Ilocos Region, CALABARZON (Region IV-A) and MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) as Typhoon Jose enhances the southwest monsoon.

While Jose is not likely to make landfall over the Philippines, 10 to 25 millimeters per hour (heavy to intense) rainfall is expected in areas within the 650 kilometer-diameter of the typhoon. —  Joel Locsin and Xianne Arcangel /LBG, GMA News