The largest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year is wreaking havoc on transportation and travel.

Travel by air, land and sea have been affected as Typhoon Labuyo (international code name Utor) continues, despite reports that its strength is weakening.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that more than 8,000 travelers and commuters were stranded because of the storm, many having to sleep in terminals and ports.

Local media outlet GMA News reported that more than eight domestic flights on Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines Express were canceled as of this morning.

The storm blocked the single road leading to Casiguran in northern Aurora by causing landslides, said GMA News.

Flooding also halted bus trips to the Cagayan-Isabela area in Cagayan Valley.

As of 5 p.m. today, the Phillippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Administration(PAGASA) announced that seven provinces are under the current highest storm signal of no. 2, while 13 provinces are under storm signal no. 1.

The maximum sustained winds are now 150 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts up to 185 kilometers per hour, according to the PAGASA announcement.

The Metro Rail Transit has continued to operate throughout the storm.

Approximately 20 typhoons and storms hit the Philippines each year. 

Labuyo is expected to exit the Philippines later today.

– CNN