Signal No. 2 up in Batanes as ‘Ineng’ becomes a severe tropical storm

MANILA, Philippines — Signal No. 2 was raised in Batanes as Typhoon “Ineng” intensified into a severe tropical storm, the state weather bureau said Friday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) also raised Signal No. 1 over Cagayan Islands, the Babuyan Group of Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte and Northern Abra.

In its 5 a.m. forecast, Pagasa said “Ineng” was last spotted at 580 kilometers east of Tugegarao, Cagayan.

“Ineng” also packed maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 115 kph.

According to Pagasa, “Ineng” is moving northwest at 20 kph.

“Ineng” also remained to less likely make landfall, and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Saturday evening and Sunday early morning, the state weather bureau said.

Meanwhile, light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains are expected over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro Provinces, northern portion of Palawan and the rest of  Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley. /muf