Isang maintains strength as it traverses Philippine Sea

Severe Tropical Storm Isang (international name: Omais) maintained its strength as it traversed the Philippine Sea on Sunday morning, PAGASA said in its bulletin.

At 10 a.m., the center of Isang was located at 505 km northeast of Itbayat, BAtanes.

It has maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 115 km/h, and central pressure of 996 hPa.

Isang is moving north northwestward at 15 km/h near Miyako Islands in Japan. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday noon or afternoon.

PAGASA said strong winds are extending outward up to 240 km from Isang's center.

However, the severe tropical storm is unlikely to cause a direct effect on the country's weather.

In the next 24 hours, Isang is expected to move north northwestward then turn northward on Monday morning as it traverses the East China Sea.

Although Isang maintained its strength on Sunday morning, it may weaken starting Sunday night.

PAGASA said it will issue its next weather bulletin at 5 p.m.  —KG, GMA News