A powerful typhoon in the Western Pacific Ocean, named Parma, is bearing downon the Philippines. Winds were sustained at 140 mph Thursday, after brieflysurging to 150 mph, or super typhoon status, earlier in the day. Parma couldagain gain intensity into Friday. Sustained winds could reach an incredible 160mph!Parma is taking aim on Luzon, the large northern island province.Just days ago, Tropical Storm Ketsana brought massive flooding to Manila, thePhilippine capital, following close to 20 inches of rain in some areas.
Parma threatens to bring extremely strong winds and flooding rain. Residentsare already evacuating the east coast of Luzon.
Fortunately, the east coast of Luzon is not heavily populated. Even thoughdestructive winds may only blast a small part of the Philippines, flooding rainwill encompass a much larger area. Hence, there is a threat to many lives.
Parma is expected to slow down upon reaching the northeastern part of LuzonSaturday, local time. As a result, heavy rainfall from Parma could continuemost of the weekend.
There is a chance that Typhoon Parma will curve northward, keeping the centeroffshore. Regardless, due to the typhoon's large size, it would still be closeenough to bring flooding rain to Luzon this weekend.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Dave Samuhel
