The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year flooded streets in the capital and toppled power lines today, causing widespread blackouts and suspending flights, classes and work in some government offices. At least three people died, and 19 fishermen are missing.

Typhoon Conson slammed into northeast Quezon province with winds of 75 miles per hour late Tuesday and weakened into a tropical storm as it crossed rice-growing Luzon Island and buffeted the sprawling capital with strong gusts and heavy rain for about two hours, said weather forecaster Bernie de Leon.

The storm blew out of Manila before dawn today, leaving downed branches, trees and scattered trash. Winds ripped tarpaulin billboards along the main roads and blew away roofs of coastal shanties.