Typhoon Marce intensifies, threatens northern Luzon

Typhoon Marce has intensified and is now threatening Babuyan Islands and northern mainland Luzon with stormy weather.

Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 in parts of northern Cagayan and Babuyan Islands can expect heavy rains and strong winds.

PAGASA forecasts intense to torrential rains in Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte, and moderate to heavy rains in Batanes and Isabela.

The weather bureau warned that these rains could trigger flash floods or landslides in low-lying areas.

As of 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Marce had maximum sustained winds of 155 kph near its center with gustiness up to 190 kph, located 240 km east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Marce is expected to make landfall and cross Babuyan Islands and/or the northern parts of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao from Thursday afternoon to early Friday morning, or pass very close to these areas, with serious impact in either scenario.