Fabian slightly intensifies, nears severe tropical storm category

Tropical Storm Fabian slightly intensified on Monday morning as it neared severe tropical storm category, PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. report.

As of 4 a.m., Fabian was estimate at 1,090 km east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon (23.6°N, 132.0°E) packing maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 105 km/h, and central pressure of 992 hPa. It was moving north northwestward at 10 km/h.

Despite this, Fabian "is unlikely to bring heavy rainfall in the country throughout the forecast period" but will enhance the southwest monsoon.

No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal is currently in effect in the country due to Fabian.

PAGASA said under the influence of the Fabian-enhanced southwest monsoon, as well as the tropical depression estimated at 900 km west of extreme Northern Luzon, monsoon rains will be experienced in the next 24 hours over the following areas:

• Ilocos Region,
• Zambales,
• Bataan,
• Occidental Mindoro,
• Palawan

Fabian is seen to maintain a north northwestward or northwestward heading on Monday before turning west northwestward on Tuesday.

It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) either on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning. --KBK, GMA News