Thousands flee ahead of typhoon

MANILA, Philippines -- The strongest typhoon to threaten the Philippines in recent years roared toward the country's north Sunday, prompting thousands of villagers to flee to safety and sparking massive emergency preparations.

Typhoon Megi had sustained winds of 140 mph and gusts of 162 mph but could strengthen as it moves west at 14 mph over the Philippine Sea. Forecasters said it's expected to slam into Cagayan province this morning.

With its ferocious wind, Megi has become the strongest typhoon to threaten the country in four years, government forecasters say. A 2006 storm with 155-mph winds set off volcanic mudslides that buried entire villages, killing about 1,000 people.

Weather officials issued the highest of a four-tier public storm alert for Cagayan and nearby Isabela province, warning of pounding rains and fierce wind.