Typhoon Melor Hits Philippines, Grounds Flights And Ships

MANILA -- Typhoon Melor reached central Philippines before noon Monday, close to where Haiyan hit two years ago and left more than 6,000 dead.

As of 12 noon local time (11 p.m. EST), Melor -- known locally as Nona -- was in the vicinity of Mondragon, Northern Samar province, about 12 miles east of Catarman, the Philippine weather agency said on its website. Public Storm Warning Signal No. 3, the highest, was raised over the three Samar provinces as well as most of the Bicol region, including the provinces of Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay and Camarines Sur.

The two Leyte provinces are under Signals No. 1 and 2. Leyte and Samar islands were the worst hit by Haiyan -- known locally as Yolanda.

As of 11 a.m. (10 p.m. EST), Melor had winds of 93 miles per hour near its center and was moving westward at 10mph. It is projected to be closest to capital Manila Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have canceled some domestic flights and ships have been barred from sailing from some ports since Sunday, leaving thousands stranded. These are usual precautions in the Philippines, which is hit by about 20 typhoons a year.