MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Ompong (international name Mangkhut) struck northern Luzon early Saturday morning, unleashing intense winds and torrential rains after it made a landfall in Baggao, Cagayan at 1:40 a.m. In the 5 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said "Ompong" is now in the vicinity of Baggao, Cagayan, heading towards Apayao and Ilocos Norte. It has sustained winds of 200 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 330 kilometers per hour. "Ompong” is expected to bring storm surge of up to six meters in Cagayan and Ilocos Norte, three meters in Isabela and two meters in Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. Evacuations and class suspensions have been ordered by the government ahead of" Ompong" which is expected to affect over 5 million Filipinos.

Source: Philippine Star September 14, 2018 23:26 UTC