Inday keeps strength; storm’s direct effects ‘unlikely’

MANILA, Philippines (Updated, 11:47 a.m.) — Tropical storm Inday (international name: Muifa) maintained its strength while moving over the Philippine Sea, state weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday morning.

Inday was last seen 1,130 kilometers east of Central Luzon or 1,165 km east of Northern Luzon, with peak winds of 75 kph near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph. It is moving west at 20 kph.

PAGASA said the tropical storm is “unlikely to directly affect the weather condition in the country within the forecast period.”

However, Inday may bring moderate to rough seas over the seaboards of Extreme Northern Luzon (1.5 to 3.5 meters) starting Saturday. These conditions may be risky for those using small seacrafts.

The cyclone may reach severe tropical storm category within 24 hours and intensify further as it tracks the favorable environment of the Philippine Sea. Weather forecasters said the possibility of a rapid intensification within the forecast period is not ruled out.

It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Sunday or Monday.

Inday’s track

• September 8, 2022 8:00 PM – 1,085 km east of Northern Luzon
• September 9, 2022 8:00 AM – 1990 km east of Extreme Northern Luzon
• September 9, 2022 8:00 PM - 860 km east of Extreme Northern Luzon
• September 10, 2022 8:00 AM - 745 km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes
• September 10, 2022 8:00 PM - 665 km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes
• September 11, 2022 8:00 AM - 590 km northeast of Itbayat, Batanes
• September 12, 2022 8:00 AM - 625 km northeast of Itbayat, Batanes (Outside PAR)
• September 13, 2022 8:00 AM - 830 km north northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon (Outside PAR)

— Gaea Katreena Cabico