Domeng now a severe tropical storm

Tropical cyclone Domeng has become stronger while over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau PAGASA said late Friday evening.

Now a severe tropical storm, Domeng was located 1,045 km east of Central Luzon at 10 p.m., with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h and gustiness of up to 115 km/h. It was moving west northwestward at 15 km/h.

"Domeng is less likely to directly affect the weather condition of the country in the next 24 hours. However, the southwesterly windflow enhanced by Domeng may bring heavy rains over the western portion of the country beginning Sunday, May 31," PAGASA said in its 11 p.m. tropical cyclone bulletin.

Domeng could reach typhoon status on Saturday evening, but is not expected to make landfall over the country, PAGASA said.

The tropical cyclone will continue moving northwestward until Sunday before recurving toward southern Japan, it added.

It will likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday, June 1. — VBL, GMA News