MANILA, Philippines — Severe tropical storm “Julian” (international name: Maysak) continues to rapidly intensify as it may become a typhoon by Saturday afternoon or evening, the state weather bureau said.
In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Julian was last spotted at 850 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan or 800 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora.
Julian is packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kph.
The severe tropical storm continues to remain stationary, Pagasa said.
State meteorologists said Julian will remain over the Philippine Sea throughout the forecast period and will be far from the Philippine landmass.
Julian is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday.