Isang intensifies into a tropical storm

Isang has intensified into a tropical storm with the international name Omais, PAGASA announced Friday evening.

According to the 11 p.m. Severe Weather Bulletin, the center of Isang was estimated at 835 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

It is moving west-northwestward at 10 kph.

PAGASA said the tropical storm is expected to reach its peak intensity on Saturday evening. It is then expected to be downgraded into a tropical depression by Monday night.

Isang is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday afternoon or evening.

Hazards over land, coastal areas

The weather agency maintained that Isang is unlikely to bring heavy rainfall in the country and is less likely to cause sea conditions within the coastal waters.

“The latest forecast scenario for Isang shows that the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals over any land area in the country remains unlikely,” PAGASA said.

“Moreover, its passage is unlikely to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and bring gusty conditions to the country,” it added.

The next SWB will be issued at 5 a.m. on Saturday. -- BAP, GMA News