Tropical storm ‘Butchoy’ enters Philippines

 Undersecretary Benito Ramos of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council points the path of Tropical Storm Butchoy (international code name Guchol). They said the storm will likely be felt by Friday or early Saturday. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical storm Butchoy (international name: Guchol) entered the Philippine area of responsibility before noon Thursday, earlier than its expected forecast, the state-run weather bureau said.

It was seen 880 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration said in its latest advisory.

It has maximum winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph, moving west-northeast at 24 kph.

Although it has not affected the country yet, the estimated rainfall is from 15-25 millimeter per hour.

Pagasa said the rains experienced in the country were due to monsoon trough and Habagat, and were not caused by Butchoy.

By Friday morning, the storm will be 560 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, 320 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, and 310 kilometers northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, Pagasa said.

Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Luzon, Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao due to big waves generated by the effect of the Southwest Monsoon and Butsoy, it added.

It is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday evening.