PAGASA: ‘Butchoy’ intensifies, Signal No. 1 up in Batanes

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Butchoy (international name: Nepartak) has intensified further as it maintained its speed and direction, according to the 11 a.m. severe weather bulletin of PAGASA on Wednesday.

The state weather bureau said Butchoy packed maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 230 kph while its estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 550 km diameter of the typhoon.

Tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 was issued over the Batanes Group of Islands.

In its advisory, PAGASA said the eye of Butchoy was traced at 860 kilometer East of Calayan, Cagayan (18.9 °N, 129.6°E) at 10 a.m. It is expected to move northwest at 30 kph.

“Fisherfolks are advised not to venture out over the northern and eastern seabords of Luzon,” the weather bulletin read.

An earlier report of the Philippine News Agency said Butchoy would enhance the southwest monsoon currently affecting southern Luzon and Visayas. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms is expected in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Visayas, northern Mindanao, Caraga and Davao while the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.

PAGASA advised the public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions.