Pagasa: ‘Liwayway’ now a severe tropical storm

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Storm Liwayway (international name: Lingling) has since intensified into a severe tropical storm midday Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric,Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, Pagasa said “Liwayway” will bring light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains over Apayao, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, and Batanes.

Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes where residents were advised to take precautionary actions against potentially strong winds.

Scattered light to moderate rains, with at times heavy rain showers are expected in the Ilocos region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, northern portions of Palawan including Calamian Islands, Mindoro provinces and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region.

“Liwayway”, last spotted 250 kilometers (km) east northeast of Calayan, Cagayan, packs maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 115 kph.

Pagasa said “Liwayway” is not likely to make landfall and is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility between Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning. /gsg