'Quiet, sunny before the storm': Ilocos Norte braces for Ompong

Residents of Ilocos Norte experienced quiet, sunny weather Friday morning ahead of the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, the strongest of 15 storms to hit the Philippines this year.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos said there was little rain and hot weather in the area Friday as residents wait for the coming of the typhoon.

"It's quiet and hot, and it's making people nervous. This is like (Typhoon) Lawin in 2016 or Yolanda (in 2013)," she told radio DZMM.

Forced evacuations have been conducted as early as 2 days ago in disaster-prone areas in the province as a precautionary measure before the typhoon hits. Persons with disabilities and pregnant women are given priority in the evacuations, Marcos said.

Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) is forecast to make landfall early on Saturday on the northern tip of Luzon island.

RADIO DZMM, September 14, 2018