Storm ‘Goring’ makes hasty exit

A low pressure area off Batanes has developed into Tropical Depression “Goring,” but it is not expected to make landfall since it is on its way out of the country.

Goring, however, will enhance the southwest monsoon bringing occasional rains over Luzon, becoming more frequent over its western section, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

No storm signals were raised Saturday.

As of 4 p.m., Goring was spotted 400 kilometers north northeast of Basco, Batanes. It had maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour near the center and was moving west northwest at seven kph.

Forecaster Meno Mendoza said Goring was unlikely to make landfall since it was already at the tip of the country. It could be out completely in 24 to 48 hours, he said.

Pagasa said that by Sunday afternoon, Goring would be 410 km north of Basco, or 110 km southwest of Taipei. By Monday, it should be 600 km northwest of Basco or 370 km west of Taipei.

Meanwhile, the weather bureau is keeping an eye on a low pressure area that was spotted 320 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Pagasa said the rest of the country would have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, but eastern Mindanao would have widespread rains that may trigger flash floods and landslides. Leila B. Salaverria