Typhoon 'Huaning' may enter Phl by noon today - PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon "Huaning" (international name Soulik) will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by noon, the state weather bureau said Wednesday.

Weather forecaster Alvin Pura said that the typhoon continues to move towards Batanes and may enter the PAR between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that as of 9 a.m., the typhoon's center was estimated at 1,260 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes.

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 185 kph. It was moving west northwest at a speed of 20 kph.

Pura said that the typhoon will likely pass near the provinces in the extreme Northern Luzon before heading to Taiwan.

He said that based on forecast models, the typhoon will not have any direct effect on the Philippines, but it will enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over the western part of Luzon and Visayas on Thursday.

"Expect natin kung magtuloy-tuloy si Soulik, by Thursday afternoon maranasan natin ang pag-ulan," he said.

Pura also said that the typhoon will not affect Metro Manila and will not make landfall in any part of the country.

He said that the typhoon is expected to leave the PAR by early Saturday.