‘Cosme’ accelerates slightly, maintains strength

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical Storm "Cosme" (Halong) maintained its strength as it slightly accelerated while crossing Northern Luzon Sunday afternoon. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 4 p.m., "Cosme" was 180 kms east of Aparri, Cagayan. It packed maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph, and was moving northeast at 22 kph. Pagasa said "Cosme" was expected to be 580 kms east of Basco, Batanes by Monday afternoon, and 1,360 kms northeast of Basco, Batanes or at 690 kms east of Okinawa, Japan or outside Philippine territory by Tuesday afternoon. Under Storm Signal No. 1 are Batanes, Northern Cagayan, and Babuyan Islands. "Cosme" will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring occasional rains over Southern Luzon and Western Visayas. Pagasa warned residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides. - GMANews.TV