TROPICAL storm “Goring” intensified into a severe tropical storm while moving southeastward on Friday.
“Goring” is forecast to rapidly intensify and may reach typhoon category today.
Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 was raised over Batanes, the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands, the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan, and the eastern portion of Isabela.
The center of “Goring” was estimated at 260 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan.
It was moving southeastward slowly, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 135 km/h.
The southwest monsoon will be enhanced by “Goring” and bring occasional rains over the western portions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon today, and over the western portion of Visayas on Sunday.
It is forecast to steadily strengthen and may attain its maximum strength by Monday, potentially becoming a super typhoon, the state weather bureau said.