Almost stationary ‘Quiel’ gaining strength — Pagasa

Source: Pagasa / DOST

MANILA, Philippines—Severe Tropical Storm “Quiel” continues to gain strength and bring rains to parts of Luzon, the state weather bureau said Thursday.

“Quiel,” which intensified into a severe tropical storm Thursday morning, was last spotted 375 kilometers west northwest of Coron, Palawan with maximum sustained winds of 110 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kmh as of 3 p.m.

In its 5 p.m. weather update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said “Quiel” remains almost stationary and will bring rain showers and thunderstorms to Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Palawan and Mindoro provinces.

Pagasa warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to heavy rains during severe thunderstorms in the said areas.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience localized thunderstorms.

“Quiel” may leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Friday night, Pagasa said.

Pagasa is also monitoring a typhoon hovering outside the PAR.

Typhoon “Halong” was spotted 3,045 kms east of extreme northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 165 kph with 215 kph gusts while moving north at 15 kph. /jpv