MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration on Thursday said weather disturbance Ramil (International name: Damrey) has intensified into a tropical storm.
Ramil earlier strengthened as it moved westward over the West Philippine Sea. It is expected to head west at 16 kilometer per hour.
Despite this, PAGASA said there is no tropical cyclone warning signal raised.
The tropical storm is forecasted to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday evening or early Friday.
As of 10:00 a.m., Ramil’s eye was traced at 365 km west of Coron, Palawan based on all available data. It is packed with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
Ramil is expected to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon due to its interaction with the northeast monsoon.
“Residents in these areas alerted against possible landslides and flashfloods,” the state weather bureau said.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon would experience light to moderate with possible occasional heavy rains during thunderstorms.
PAGASA also issued sea travel warning over the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon and the western seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon due to Ramil and the surge of the northeast Monsoon affecting the region.
The agency asked the public to continue monitor the tropical storm and take appropriate actions as it would issue its next weather bulletin at 4p.m. —Rosette Adel