Queenie intensifies into a typhoon

Severe Tropical Storm Queenie intensified into a typhoon while slowly moving northwestward over the sea east of Taiwan, the state weather bureau PAGASA said Saturday evening.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Typhoon Queenie was estimated at 605 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

Queenie had maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.

PAGASA said the typhoon is forecast to continue moving slowly over the next 12 hours before turning north-northeastward.

The center of Queenie is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Sunday afternoon and evening.

PAGASA advised the public and concerned disaster risk reduction and management offices to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.

Communities highly susceptible to hazards were reminded to follow evacuation advisories issued by local officials. — MCG, GMA News