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Typhoon Mirinae (23W) could make landfall on Saturday, which would be the fourth tropical cyclone to cause damage to Luzon since September.

October 27, 2009 – The Swinden Group, through their Severe Weather Advisories, is advising that Typhoon Mirinae could pummel Luzon, Philippines on Saturday and that those traveling to the region should reconsider their travel plans.

Typhoon Mirinae in the Western Pacific

As of 2100 UTC, Typhoon Mirinae (23W) is located approximately 300 miles west-northwest of Guam and is tracking to the west-northwest. Mirinae is expected to continue to intensify as it tracks into a favorable environment in the Philippine Sea and could strike Luzon as a category three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale of 1 to 5.

Long Range Forecast

Computer models are mostly in an agreement with Typhoon Mirinae making landfall on Luzon, Philippines as a very strong typhoon early Saturday morning. After Luzon, it will enter into the South China Sea and most likely continue westward towards Vietnam next week.

“This will be the fourth major tropical cyclone to batter Luzon, Philippines since September,” explains Matthew Swinden, President of the Swinden Group. The Swinden Group provides weather risk management services to Fortune 500 Companies and individuals though their Severe Weather Advisories. “Worst case scenario is that Mirinae will strike Luzon as a category three storm or higher: Expect widespread moderate to major flooding, coastal flooding due to storm surge, minor to major structural damage – especially to poorly constructed structures, damage to the infrastructure, which is already damaged due to the previous storms, to include water, sewer, power, communications, roads and transportations.”

Travel Impact

Expect travel delays and or cancellations by sea and air to begin on Friday.

“We are recommending to our clients to delay travel to Luzon, including Manila, until next week or after an assessment of the storm's damage has been conducted,” says Swinden. “If presently in Luzon, we are recommending travelers and Ex-Pats to relocate out of the area until the storm has passed.”

Severe Weather Advisories is a subscription based service provided by the Swinden Group to corporations and business travelers so that they are prepared for severe weather that may negatively impact business operations and travel.

The Swinden Group provides companies and organizations security, investigations, and risk management services worldwide.

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Contact:

Matthew Swinden

The Swinden Group, LLC

Phone: 303-406-3622                  

Web: www.TheSwindenGroup.com

Email: matt@TheSwidnenGroup.com

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/SwindenGroup