Verbena outside PAR, Signal No. 1 over Kalayaan Islands

Severe Tropical Storm Verbena, which is outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), intensifies as it moves west northwestward over the sea North of Kalayaan Islands, according to the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin posted by PAGASA.

As of 4 a.m., the center of Severe Tropical Storm Verbena was estimated at 240 kilometers north northeast of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 135 km/h, and central pressure of 980 hPa.

Verbena is moving west northwestward at the speed of 20 km/h with strong to storm-force winds that extend outwards up to 450 km from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No 1 is hoisted over Kalayaan Islands.

Severe Winds

"The wind signals warn the public of the general wind threat over an area due to the tropical cyclone. Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction," the state weather bureau reported.

"Furthermore, the surge of Northeast Monsoon and Verbena will also bring gusty conditions reaching strong to gale-force strength over the following areas not under Wind Signal (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds): Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan.

A Gale Warning is in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the western seaboard of Southern Luzon. Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Verbena has exited the PAR and will pass north of Kalayaan Islands this morning.

Verbena will decelerate significantly, said PAGASA, and move slowly west southwestward until Thursday afternoon then turn north northwestward while still moving slowly from tomorrow afternoon to Sunday afternoon, before turning west southwestward for the rest of the forecast period.

"Verbena is forecast to continue intensifying within the next 12 hours due to favorable environment and may reach typhoon category within the day. Afterwards, the surge of the Northeast Monsoon will result in a slight weakening trend for the rest of the forecast period," said PAGASA. — BAP, GMA Integrated News