Typhoon Jenny (Typhoon KOINU) continued to intensify as it tracked towards Northern Luzon on Monday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Sustained winds around the typhoon’s eye have reached 140 kph with gusts up to 170 kph, marking a strengthening from earlier advisories.
PAGASA placed areas in Northern Luzon under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 as damaging winds of 60-120 kph are expected within the next 36 hours. Provinces under the warning include Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, northern Isabela, Apayao, and northern Ilocos Norte. Heavy rain and possible flooding and landslides are also concerns for these areas.
While Jenny’s path remains uncertain, residents in Northern Luzon are bracing for a direct hit from the powerful storm. Pre-emptive evacuations have started in low-lying villages prone to flooding. Disaster response teams have also been placed on standby. “Residents must take all necessary precautions and closely monitor official advisories,” warned Ricardo Jalad, administrator of PAGASA.
Beyond Northern Luzon, southwestern winds enhanced by Jenny’s circulation will bring rain and rough seas to central and southern portions of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao in the coming days. Sea travel has been advised against for small craft in coastal waters off Northern Luzon due to very rough conditions. Moderate seas will also persist off Isabela province.
As one of the strongest storms so far this year, Typhoon Jenny’s threat underscores the continued risks posed by the annual typhoon season. Residents across the Philippines remain on watch as forecasters track the storm’s progress. More advisories will be released as Jenny moves closer to landfall.
