MANILA, Philippines — The possibility of Typhoon Kammuri turning into a super typhoon is less likely at this time but is not being ruled out, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its Friday 11:00 a.m. forecast.
The weather bureau said Kammuri — which is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) and has no direct effect on the country as of now — has gained more strength while moving northwestward slowly at 170 kilometers per hour (kph). It was last spotted 1,470 km east of Southern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.
Senior Weather Specialist Chris Perez said they expect the weather system to enter PAR between Saturday evening, November 30, to Sunday morning, December 1, and will be renamed Tisoy as the 20th Philippine tropical cyclone for 2019.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over the eastern portion of the Bicol Region-Eastern Visayas area on Sunday, and cancellation of maritime travel may be experienced over these areas, according to Pagasa.
Kammuri, it added, may bring moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms starting Monday, December 2, over Bicol Region and Samar provinces. Most of the areas in Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Southern Luzon, and Metro Manila will experience strong winds and heavy to intense rains on Tuesday, December 3 and Wednesday, December 4.
Pagasa said the public and the disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned are advised to monitor the coming updates on this weather disturbance at 4:00 p.m. Friday, as well as at 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.