Typhoon Usagi weakened sharply on Friday after bearing down on the Philippines' northern towns, blowing away houses in its path as authorities brace for another storm that could hit the capital Manila over the weekend.

Strong winds and torrential rain batter the Philippines as Super Typhoon Usagi arrives:: Mark Andres Bagasin:::: Cagayan Province, PhilippinesVideos from an eyewitness showed trees swaying heavily in Palawig,

Typhoon Usagi slammed into the Philippines' already disaster-ravaged north on Thursday, as authorities rushed to evacuate thousands of people from coastal areas.