A tropical storm approaching the Philippines from the west is likely to stay in Philippine territory for only six to 12 hours, state weather forecasters said Tuesday.

 

But the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also said the storm, codenamed "Talim," is enhancing the southwest monsoon even now.

 

"Maaaring six to 12 hours lang, lalabas na yan," PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

The storm will be locally codenamed "Carina" upon entering Philippine territory. PAGASA had estimated the storm is due to enter Philippine territory on Wednesday.

 

Loiz said they expect Talim to pass the Philippines' northwest boundary and head for Taiwan.

 

On the other hand, he said Talim may be affecting parts of Northern and Central Luzon by enhancing the southwest monsoon even now.

 

But Loiz said Talim is not likely to directly affect the country.

 

For Wednesday, Loiz said Metro Manila can expect mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

 

Taiwan, Hong Kong brace for 'Talim'

 

Taiwan and Hong Kong are also bracing for Talim.

 

A report on Taipei Times early Tuesday said Talim is a rare storm coming from Taiwan Strait, which is part of the South China Sea. Land and sea alerts were expected to be issued Tuesday, the report added .

 

It quoted the Central Weather Bureau as saying that Talim is likely to be the first storm to hit Taiwan this year and may bring heavy rainfall across Taiwan.

 

Taipei Times quoted Taiwanese forecaster Hsieh Min-ken as saying the weather bureau estimated the accumulated rainfall from Tuesday to Thursday could exceed 1,500 mm in the mountainous areas of central and southern Taiwan because of the combined effect of Talim and the southwest monsoon.

 

Hsieh said Taiwan "must be prepared to brave torrential rain," adding residents in central and southern Taiwan must be ready to cope with the threat of torrential rain.

 

Also, the bureau said those living on the west coast need to be prepared for flooding caused by the rain and spring tide.

 

Taipei Times said the bureau projected Talim to cross the Taiwan Strait and be close to central Taiwan by Wednesday, when the wind and rain are expected to be the strongest.

 

"Talim" is then expected to move along Taiwan's west coast before it moves away from Taiwan by Thursday. Taiwan's weather bureau also said the weather system around Taiwan would remain unstable until Friday.

 

Hong Kong

 

In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) said Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, is in force.

 

"This means that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kph are expected," it said.

 

Radio Television Hong Kong said HKO issued the strong wind signal at 10:40 p.m. Monday as Talim moved closer to the Chinese territory.

 

"The No. 3 signal means kindergartens and schools for children with disabilities won't be open (Tuesday) morning. Afternoon classes at kindergartens will only take place if the signal is cancelled by 10.30 a.m.," it said.

 

It added the Social Welfare Department advised people not to take family members to child care centers, elderly services centers or day rehabilitation units, including sheltered workshops and day activity centers.

 

But it said such centers will remain open for people who cannot find alternative care.

 

As of 6 a.m., the HKO said Talim - which it considered a severe tropical storm - was estimated to be about 320 km south of Hong Kong.

 

It said Talim is forecast to move northeast or east-northeast at about 14 kph crossing the northern part of the South China Sea. — RSJ, GMA News