Typhoon Carina intensifies offshore, may make landfall in Taiwan

Severe Tropical Storm Carina intensified into a typhoon offshore with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts up to 150 kph, with rapid intensification remaining likely.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is hoisted over Batanes, eastern portions of mainland Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, and northeastern Isabela.

These areas may experience winds of 39 to 61 kph within 36 hours, with potential for very light to light damage to structures.

Heavy to intense rains are expected in the extreme northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan until Tuesday afternoon, with moderate to heavy rains in Babuyan Islands and the eastern parts of mainland Cagayan and Isabela.

Carina is enhancing the southwest monsoon, bringing moderate to intense rains to western sections of Luzon.

The typhoon is located 420 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City and is slowly moving north northeast, not expected to make landfall in the Philippines.

Moderate to rough seas are expected over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon, and western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, and Western Visayas.

The storm is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning and may potentially make landfall in Taiwan.