Paolo gains strength,brings rain

MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name Lan) continued to gather strength as it hovered slowly over the Philippine Sea yesterday, but state weathermen said it is unlikely to make landfall in the country. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), however, warned that the outer bands of Paolo may bring scattered light to occasionally heavy rains over the Bicol region, the Visayas and Mindanao.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the center of Paolo was spotted at 655 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar with maximum sustained winds 90 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 115 kph. 

It was forecast to move north-northeast at 10 kph.

PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the possibility of raising tropical cyclone warning signals in any part of the country is remote as Paolo’s winds are not expected to reach the Philippines. 

Paolo was not expected to make landfall in any part of the country due to its interaction with the low-pressure area,  according to PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong. 

Paolo could intensify into a typhoon in the next 24 to 36 hours, based on latest forecast of PAGASA.

Quitlong said Metro Manila will not be affected by Paolo. However, it will still experience isolated rainshowers especially in the afternoon or evening due to localized thunderstorms.

Paolo is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure area over the West Philippine Sea will also bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over Palawan.

Aurelio said the low-pressure area has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.

As of 3 p.m., the weather system was located at 270 west-southwest of Coron, Palawan.