'Bebeng' moves to Japan but may bring rains in RP

Typhoon "Bebeng" intensified further Wednesday as it continued its northwest path towards the southern islands of Japan but state weather forecasters warned it may still induce heavy rains. In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) said "Bebeng" was estimated to be 980 kilometers east-northeast of Catanduanes. "Bebeng" packed maximum sustained winds of 140 kph and gustiness of 170 kph and was moving northwest at 24 kph. It is expected to be 900 kms east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan or 840 km east of Basco, Batanes Thursday morning; 780 km northeast of Basco, Batanes or 100 km southeast of Okinawa, Southern Japan Friday morning. Pag-asa reiterated its warning that "Bebeng" may induce the southwest monsoon that will bring rains over the country particularly at the western section. It warned residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to seek safer grounds against possible occurrence of flash floods and landslides. -GMANews.TV