PAGASA: Vinta now off coast of Ilocos Norte, weather may start improving Saturday

After making landfall over Cagayan Thursday afternoon, Typhoon Vinta (Krosa) reached the coast of Ilocos Norte early Friday and remains on track to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Friday afternoon.

 

PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier said the weather may start improving Saturday as Vinta moves farther away from the country.

 

"Medyo papalayo na (Vinta is starting to move away from the Philippines)," Javier said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He said they detect no weather disturbance near the Philippine area of responsibility once Vinta exits.

 

When asked if the weather will start improving Saturday, he said, "Opo kasi malayo na si Vinta."

 

PAGASA, in its 5 a.m. advisory, said Vinta was estimated at 70 km north-northwest of Laoag City as of 4 a.m., with maximum winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

 

It is forecast to move west-northwest at 20 kph and is expected to be outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility Friday afternoon.

 

By Saturday morning, it is expected to be 540 km west-northwest of Laoag City.

 

The Japan Meteorological Agency's 2:45 a.m. update indicated Vinta may make its way out of the Philippine area of responsibility by 2 p.m. Friday.

 

It added Vinta may then continue heading west.  — ELR, GMA News