Chedeng keeps strength, moves northward over Philippine Sea

Tropical Storm Chedeng has maintained its strength as it moved northward over the Philippine Sea on Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Chedeng was located 1,190 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gustiness of up to 90 km/h while moving at 10 km/h.

Chedeng’s strong to gale-force winds extend outwards up to 340 km from the center.

“Throughout the forecast period, Chedeng will remain far from the Philippine landmass,” PAGASA said.

No Wind Signals are hoisted in the country and Chedeng is unlikely to directly bring heavy rainfall in the next three to five days, according to the state weather bureau.

However, PAGASA said Chedeng may enhance the Southwest Monsoon which can bring monsoon rains over the western section of the country.

The agency advised the public to continue monitoring for updates regarding the possible enhancement of the Southwest Monsoon.

Chedeng  remains unlikely to cause rough sea conditions over the coastal waters of the country in the next 24 hours, according to PAGASA.

The tropical storm may be upgraded to severe tropical storm category Wednesday night or Thursday and into a typhoon on Thursday, PAGASA said. Its peak intensity may be reached by Friday or Saturday.

Rapid intensification is also not ruled out.

Chedeng is expected to move generally northwestward or west northwestward Wednesday through mid-Friday, before turning more northward or north northeastward for the rest of Friday through the weekend.

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” PAGASA said.

“Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” it added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News