Typhoon Nanmadol approaches the northern Philippines

By Arlene Espiritu,, For CNN

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Typhoon Nanmado is approaching the northern part of the Philippines
The typhoon is known locally as Mina
Some island residents have been warned about flash floods, landslides

(CNN) -- Typhoon Nanmadol has strengthened in the past 24 hours and could hit the northern Philippines in the next two days, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Friday.

The storm, known as Mina locally, could approach Taiwan in coming days, according to the forecast.

The atmospheric administration said the typhoon has continued to intensify as it slowly moves closer to Luzon, the largest island in the nation.

On Friday morning, Mina had maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (93 mph), with gusts up to 185 kph (115 mph).

People in southern Luzon and Visayas, a group of islands south of Luzon, are experiencing monsoon rains and have been warned to take precaution against possible flash floods and landslides.

Those living along coastal areas were alerted against storm surges, which may be generated by the typhoon, the state-run weather bureau said.