Gorio exits Philippines; monsoon to bring rains over Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Gorio exited the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday but the southwest monsoon would continue to bring rains over northern and some parts of central Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Moderate to heavy monsoon rains are expected over Ilocos region, Zambales, Bataan, Abra, Benguet, Batanes and Babuyan Islands, while light to moderate and heavy rains will be experienced over Metro Manila, Apayao, Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Central Luzon and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods and landslides during prolonged periods of rainfall, especially in high-hazard areas.

At 4 p.m. yesterday, Gorio was expected to further intensify into a tropical storm after it exited the Philippine area, the weather bureau said.

It was monitored 800 kilometers northeast of extreme northern Luzon and was moving north-westward toward Japan.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 70 kph.