The typhoon, locally called Marce, was last tracked over the South China Sea about 62 miles west of the northern Philippine province of Ilocos Norte with sustained winds of up to 93 miles per hour and gusts of up to 127 mph, according to government forecasters. It is expected to weaken further before hitting Vietnam.

Authorities cleared uprooted trees and debris in the northern Philippines on Friday as Typhoon Marce (Yinxing) blew out to sea after pounding the coast overnight, ripping roofs from homes and forcing thousands to seek shelter.

The Philippines is prone to storms and sees an average of 20 a year.