Typhoon Kammuri still strong but slows down, less likely to be super typhoon

MANILA - Typhoon Kammuri, which is expected to douse several SEA Games venues next week, has slowed down but maintained its strength as it barreled closer to the Philippines, state weather bureau PAGASA said Saturday morning.

"Intensification into a super typhoon is less likely at this time but not ruled out," it said

Kammuri, which will be named Tisoy once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, may bring moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms starting Monday, PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. advisory.

Most areas in Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Metro Manila - where SEA Games venues are located - will experience strong winds and heavy rains starting Tuesday, state weather forecasters said.

Kammuri is expected to enter PAR late Saturday and make landfall in Camarines Sur on Sunday.

As of 10 a.m., the typhoon was spotted 1,220 kilometers east of Southern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 158 kph.

SEA Games organizers earlier said contingency plans are in place in case bad weather interrupts several outdoor games. The biennial games are set to formally open Saturday night.