TS Julian continues to move slow; intensifies slightly

Source: DOST / Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Julian has slightly intensified as it remains almost stationary over the waters off the province of Tuguegarao.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Friday night that Julian was last seen 870  kilometers east of Tuguegarao, now packing maximum sustained winds of 70 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

Its west northwest pattern meanwhile slowed down, at a speed of 10 kph.

Julian is expected to remain quasi-stationary until Saturday afternoon, and may intensify further into a Severe Tropical Storm.  After which, it would start gaining speed and move northward, while gaining strength as a typhoon.

It may leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday evening.

Pagasa said that Julian will still have no direct effect in the country except that it will slightly intensify the the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

Pagasa still warned residents near mountainous and flood-prone areas to monitor updates as rainfall-induced landslides and flash floods are still possible.

JPV