'Goring' now a typhoon, heads for south Japan

Tropical storm "Goring" (international code name: Wipha) intensified into a typhoon Monday morning as it continued its northwest path toward Ryukyu in Southern Japan, state weather forecasters said. As of 10 a.m. Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said "Goring" was estimated 570 kms east-northeast of Batanes. It continued to pack maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph, and was moving northwest at 22 kph. By Tuesday morning, it was forecast to be 530 kms north-northeast of Batanes. By Wednesday morning it was forecast to be 730 kms north of Batanes or 240 km north of Taipei, Taiwan. "This disturbance is not expected to directly affect any part of the country. However, it will enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas," it said. It also advised residents in low lying-areas and near mountain slopes to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides. The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, radio dzBB reported Monday morning that Pagasa forecast "Goring" was expected to exit Philippine territory and head for Southeast China by Tuesday morning. However, Pagasa said a new tropical depression may form before the end of this week and pass through the area between Batanes and Taiwan. Pagasa also said that while the Philippines may not get the "average" 20 storms this year, it will experience a "mild case of La Niña" in the last quarter of 2007. - GMANews.TV