Typhoon exits, but monsoon rains likely

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Josie was forecast to further intensify into a super typhoon as it briefly entered and left the Philippine area of responsibility last night.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Josie is seen to continue enhancing the southwest monsoon that will affect the western sections of Southern Luzon and the Visayas.

Josie, the 10th tropical cyclone this year, was forecast to enter the Philippine area before yesterday evening and was expected to only stay for about 12 hours before exiting.

The typhoon, with international name Nanmadol, was located 1,445 km east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon as of 3 p.m.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 215 kph.

It was not expected to directly affect weather conditions in the country and remains far from Philippine landmass.

Still, Josie could enhance the southwest monsoon which will bring scattered rains over Western Visayas, Palawan, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country may see isolated rainshowers due to the southwest monsoon and localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during at times heavy rains.

The agency advised the public and risk reduction management offices to continue monitoring advisories regarding the cyclone. –  Rudy Santos