Domeng intensifies into storm, moves northwards east of Luzon

Tropical Depression Domeng intensified into a tropical storm on Friday as it moves northwards over Philippine Sea east of extreme northern Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Domeng was located at 940 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes with  maximum sustained winds of 65 km per hour  near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h.

It was moving northwards at 15 km/h.

According to PAGASA, monsoon rains are expected over Kalayaan Islands while light to moderate rains will be experience over the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon .

Occasionally gusty conditions reaching strong breeze to near gale in strength are also expected over Extreme Northern Luzon, the northern and western portions of Luzon, and the western portion of Visayas.

“These conditions are more likely in coastal and mountainous/upland localities of these areas,” PAGASA said.

These weather conditions are due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Domeng and Severe Tropical Storm “Chaba”, formerly Caloy, it added.

A Gale Warning is still up over the western seaboards of Luzon. Moderate to rough seas up to 4.0 meters can be experienced over the remaining seaboards of northern Luzon.

“These conditions may be risky for those using small sea crafts. Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions,” PAGASA warned.

Domeng may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility Saturday morning or afternoon, according to PAGASA. —LBG, GMA News