More than 900,000 people were evacuated ahead of Typhoon Fung Wong, which is expected to make landfall in the Philippines on Sunday evening.
The country's meteorological service elevated the storm to super typhoon status, with sustained wind speeds expected to reach 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts up to 230 km/h (144 mph).
The Eastern Bicol region was the first area in the Philippines to be hit by Fung Wong on Sunday morning. The typhoon is expected to reach Luzon, the country's most populous region, by Sunday evening.
Known locally as Uwan, Fung Wong led several schools to cancel or move classes online, following the previous Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused widespread destruction and nearly 200 deaths. Nearly 300 flights have been canceled at airports.
Fung Wong is expected to weaken as it makes landfall between Baler and Casiguran, but it will still be classified as a typhoon as it passes over Luzon.
More than 200 mm of rain is forecast for some parts of Luzon, with 100-200 mm in the Manila area. This could lead to severe flooding and landslides. The eastern part of the Philippines is already experiencing heavy rain and strong winds.
