‘Maring, Nando to merge into severe tropical storm’

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Maring and Tropical Depression Nando may merge into a severe tropical storm, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, the center of Maring was estimated at 735 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar or 840 kms east of Southern Luzon.

The storm packed winds of 845 kilometers per hour and gustiness of 105 kph.

The center of Nando was estimated at 855 kms east of Central Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph neat the center and gustiness of 55 kph.

Maring maintained its strength as it interacted with Nando.

PAGASA said both Maring and Nando were embedded within the larger circulation of a monsoon depression.

“A near-term erratic movement remains likely within the next 24 hours as the circulation of both Maring and Nando interact with each other in a potential merger event,” the state weather bureau’s bulletin read.

The merger, which is likely to be dominated by Maring, was forecast to move generally west-northwest until tomorrow before turning west by Tuesday.

“The resulting merger cyclone is forecast to continue intensifying within the forecast period and may reach severe tropical storm category within 36 hours,” it said.

Tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 may be hoisted in some areas in Northern Luzon and nearby areas.

PAGASA said heavy rains might be experienced in Western Visayas, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan, including Kalayaan, Calamian and Cuyo islands.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains can be expected in Bicol, Caraga, Oriental Mindoro and the rest of the Visayas.

The weather system was forecast to cross the Luzon Strait and pass over or close to Batanes and Babuyan Islands between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) urged the public to take caution.

The NDRRMC said it is coordinating with regions that may be affected by heavy rains and strong winds.