According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the storm rapidly intensified in the early hours of Sunday, rising from a 140 km/h (85 mph) typhoon to a 250 km/h super typhoon in just six hours.
JTWC’s forecast sees a further strengthening in the hours leading up to landfall and the storm is expected to be the equivalent of a Category 5 typhoon by the time it hits Luzon.
The super typhoon is expected to bring large waves and storm surge, torrential rain and winds of more than 200 km/h to Luzon over the next 24 hours.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has issued a level four warning for the Polillo Islands pending extensive damage.
Level two and three warnings are in effect for much of Luzon, including metro Manila.
