PAGASA: Maymay intensifies into tropical storm

MANILA – Tropical Storm Maymay (international name Kujira) intensified on Wednesday as it continued to move toward northwestern Luzon, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals over several areas.

As of 4 a.m., the center of the storm was estimated at 170 kilometers west northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph. It was moving slowly southeastward.

PAGASA placed parts of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Mountain Province, and Benguet under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, where gale-force winds are expected. Signal No. 1 remains in effect over the rest of the Ilocos Region and portions of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Aurora, where strong winds may occur.

The weather bureau also warned that strong to gale-force gusts caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and the storm's outer circulation will affect most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

A gale warning remains in effect over the western seaboard of Northern Luzon due to rough sea conditions.

PAGASA said the combined effects of Habagat and Tropical Storm Maymay will bring moderate to heavy rains over most of Luzon, raising the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

The weather bureau added that Maymay could make landfall over Ilocos Sur or La Union later Wednesday before weakening into a tropical depression. It is forecast to further deteriorate into a low-pressure area by Thursday. (PNA) -Ma. Cristina Arayata/Philippine News Agency