Cyclone approaching PHL intensifies, PAGASA advises precautions

A tropical cyclone approaching the Philippines intensified Friday afternoon, amid state weather forecasters' advice to residents in eastern Visayas and Mindanao to take the appropriate precautions.

 

PAGASA forecaster Elvie Enriquez said the storm, internationally codenamed Bopha, may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility late Sunday or early Monday, and will make itself felt middle of next week.

 

"Pinaiingat natin lalo ang unang babagsakan ng bagyo, ang coastal area sa eastern part ng Visayas at Mindanao (We are advising residents who may be hit first, including those in coastal areas in eastern Visayas and Mindanao, to take precautions)," Enriquez said in an interview on dzBB radio Friday.

 

Once the cyclone enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility - likely on Sunday or Monday - it will be locally codenamed Pablo.

 

Enriquez warned the storm may be very powerful upon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility since it continues to gather strength at sea.

 

"Malakas na agad ito (Expect it to be very powerful upon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility)," she said.

 

The United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center's 5 p.m. update considered the cyclone a "typhoon," with maximum winds of 65 knots (120.38 kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 85 knots (157.42 kph).  

On the other hand, the Japan Meteorological Agency's 5:45 p.m. update considered the cyclone a severe tropical storm, with maximum winds of 50 knots (92.6 kph) and gustiness of up to 70 knots (129.64 kph).

 

JMA said the cyclone was moving at 29 kph west. PAGASA's 5 p.m. bulletin said that as of 2 p.m., Meanwhile, PAGASA said the inter-tropical convergence zone is still affecting Southern Mindanao.

 

Bopha was estimated at 1,040 km east of the eastern border of the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

 

It said Bopha packed maximum winds 95 kph near the center and gustiness up to 120 kph and is forecast to move west at 20 kph.  — ELR, GMA News