Typhoon Nuri (locally known as "Karen") slammed into the Philippines' northeastern province of Cagayan early Wednesday morning, bringing heavy rains to most parts of the country's northern island of Luzon.

Classes at all levels in the Philippine capital of Metro Manila have been suspended because of the possibility of tornado.

In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the typhoon moved West Northwest at 20 kph, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.

"These winds are very dangerous. This could generate a tornado, " PAGASA Director Prisco Nilo said on a local radio.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council has also ordered the suspension of classes for Wednesday in northern provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2008)