Tropical storm to enter PAR today, may exit quickly

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is expecting a tropical storm to enter the Philippine area of responsibility today.

But considering its track, PAGASA said the weather disturbance may not affect the country’s prevailing weather conditions and may exit as quickly as 24 hours.

In its tropical cyclone advisory yesterday, the weather bureau said Tropical Storm Nyatoh, to be locally named Odette once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility, was sighted 1,455 km east of the Visayas yesterday morning and moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness up to 80 kph.

“Its duration within the Philippine area of responsibility is currently forecast to be short, as it may leave the region within 24 hours of entry. However, the public is advised to continue monitoring for possible eastward or westward shift in the track forecast of the tropical storm,” it added.

Based on projections, the tropical cyclone is forecast to intensify into severe tropical storm in the next 24 hours and highly favorable conditions will allow Nyatoh to be upgraded to typhoon category by Thursday and may reach a peak intensity of around 140 kph.

“This tropical cyclone is less likely to affect the prevailing weather condition in the country for the next three to five days. Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to continue monitoring for updates related to this tropical cyclone,” PAGASA said.