'Dindo' now a full blown tropical storm — PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Tuesday that Tropical Depression Dindo has evolved into a full-blown storm and placed its  center at 540 kilometers east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, based on satellite and surface data.   “Dindo” has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up 80 kph, PAGASA noted in its 11 p.m. bulletin Tuesday. The storm is forecast to move west northwest at 19 kph.   No storm signals have been raised so far in any part of the Philippines   Tropical Storm Dindo is expected to be 370 km east northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, Wednesday evening and 130 km southeast of Basco, Batanes, by Thursday evening.   By Friday evening, it is expected to be at 320 km North Northwest of Basco, Batanes.   Estimated rainfall amount is from 10 to 15 mm per hour–heavy–within the 400 km diameter of the Tropical Storm.    “Dindo” will enhance the southwest monsoon which will bring occasional rains over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao–becoming frequent rains over the western section. Residents in these areas are advised to be alert against possible flashfloods and landslides.   Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas due to big waves generated by the influence of Dindo over the southwest monsoon.   The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11 a.m. Wednesday. —DVM/VS, GMA News