President Aquino warned the nation to prepare for six to 12 hours of rain that Typhoon Lando would bring, as the state weather bureau placed several areas in Northern and Central Luzon, including Metro Manila, under public storm warning signals.

Lando is expected to slam into the Isabela-Aurora area this morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

Heavy to occasionally intense rains are forecast over Northern and Central Luzon beginning today.“Lando’s movement is restricted by Typhoon Champi behind it. There are also high-pressure areas above Lando. Because of this, Lando will be making its way through our country at a slower pace. PAGASA estimates that the heavy rainfall will last for six to 12 hours. Furthermore, due to the accelerated evaporation caused by El Niño, there will be an increased intake of moisture, which will consequently increase the rainfall volume,” Aquino said, noting “Oplan Listo” or Plan Alert had been put up to address the effects of the typhoon.

PAGASA warned municipalities surrounding the Magat dam in Isabela against possible flooding as the watershed was only 10 millimeters away from its spilling level.PAGASA hydrologist Richard Orendain said the Ambuklao, Binga and San Roque dams in Northern Luzon are expected to release water starting last night.PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said from Isabela, Lando would cross Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Mountain Province, Abra and Ilocos Norte.