Tropical cyclone Neneng, following a period of extreme rapid intensification, has developed into a typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 16.

Neneng, in less than 10 hours , developed into a typhoon from the severe tropical storm category.

“Neneng has undergone extreme rapid intensification and reached typhoon category at 11 a.m. today. Further intensification is likely as this tropical cyclone moves over the West Philippine Sea,” said PAGASA in its 2 p.m. bulletin.

Last spotted 415 kilometers (km) west of Calayan, Cagayan, Neneng was packing winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It is moving westward at 20 kph.

Wind Signals in effect

Following the rapid intensification of the weather disturbance, Wind Signals remained in effect over several parts of Luzon. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 was raised over the western portion of Babuyan Islands. Residents of this area were told to brace for storm-force winds within 18 hours.

Wind Signal No. 2 was hoisted in Batanes, the northwestern portion of Cagayan, the northwestern portion of Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. Gale-force winds may be experienced in these areas in less than 24 hours.

Areas under Signal No. 1, on the other hand, include Kalinga, Abra, the northern and central portions of Ilocos Sur, and the rest of Apayao, and the rest of Cagayan. Within 36 hours, strong winds and intermittent rains may persist in the aforementioned areas.

Meanwhile, despite Neneng’s continuous movement away from the Philippine landmass, heavy rains may still persist in selected parts of Luzon until Sunday evening.

“Moderate to heavy rains may prevail over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur , Light to moderate with at times heavy rains over the rest of Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region,” said PAGASA.

“Under these conditions, widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides are expected,” it added.

Neneng is expected to exit the Philippine boundary on Sunday afternoon or evening.