Helen intensifies into typhoon; to exit PAR Tuesday

Tropical Cyclone Helen (international name Megi) intensified into typhoon Saturday evening, as it moved west-northwest at 22 kilometers-per-hour, PAGASA reported in an 11 p.m. bulletin.

At 10 p.m., Helen was 1,245 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, with maximum winds of 130 kph which can gust up to 160 kph. Estimated rainfall amount within the typhoon's 600 km diameter was from moderate to heavy.

According to PAGASA's projections, Helen will be:

• 695 kms east of Basco, Batanes on Sunday evening,
• 240 kms northeast of Basco, Batanes by Monday evening, and
• 365 kms northwest of Basco, Batanes and outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday evening.

— DVM, GMA News