Gorio to be a typhoon in next 12 hours; Habagat rain showers seen

Severe Tropical Storm Gorio (international name: Podul) is expected to reach typhoon category in the next 12 hours, PAGASA said Monday. Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) will bring rain showers in other areas.

Podul entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 11:20 p.m. on Sunday and was given the domestic name Gorio.

At 4 a.m., Gorio's center was estimated to be located at 1,305 km east of Extreme Northern Luzon.

The storm has maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 135 km/h, and central pressure of 985 hPa.

Gorio is moving westward at 25 km/h.

From its center, strong to storm-force winds are extending outwards up to 280 km.

PAGASA said it has not raised any Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal.

"Wala tayong inaasahang direktang epekto sa ating panahon ngayong araw (We are not expecting it to have a direct effect on our weather conditions today), DOST-PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said in a public weather forecast.

"Gorio is unlikely to directly affect the country within the next three days," PAGASA said in its tropical cyclone bulletin.

"However, in the event of a further southward shift in the forecast track, hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Extreme Northern Luzon is not ruled out," it added.

Meanwhile, the coastal waters of Extreme Northern Luzon will have moderate seas (1.0 to 1.5 meters) due to Gorio.

"Mariners of motor bancas and similarly sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels," PAGASA said.

Gorio is expected to continue moving generally westward in the next 24 hours, then west northwestward from Tuesday afternoon onward.

It is seen to make landfall over Taiwan's northeastern coast on Wednesday and exit PAR by Wednesday evening or Thursday early morning.

"Gorio may reach typhoon category within the next 12 hours before gradually weakening throughout the remaining forecast period," PAGASA said.

Habagat

Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) will affect the western section of Luzon, the weather bureau said.

Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands may expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the monsoon. Flash floods or landslides may result during severe thunderstorms.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, will likewise have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms but this is due to localized thunderstorms. During severe thunderstorms, flash floods or landslides may occur.

Slight to moderate seas will prevail in coastal waters.

Sunrise was at 5:42 a.m. while sunset will be at 6:21 p.m. —KG, GMA Integrated News