Cempaka intensifies into typhoon outside PAR
MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Cempaka intensified into a typhoon Sunday afternoon ahead of its expected entry into the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), according to the state weather bureau.
In the tropical cyclone formation outlook issued at 4 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that the tropical cyclone intensified into a typhoon as of 2 p.m.
READ: Storm Cempaka retains strength ahead of PAR entry
Cempaka was last estimated some 1,630 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, with a maximum wind speed of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
Meanwhile, in its 11 a.m. forecast, Pagasa said that Cempeka was forecast to enter the PAR on Sunday evening or early Monday morning.
Once inside the PAR, it will be given the local name Samuel, the country’s 19th tropical cyclone this year.
READ: Severe tropical storm may enter PAR Sunday night or early Monday
Pagasa also said that Cempaka is not directly affecting the country, while the northeast monsoon will cause moderate to rough seas in Northern and Central Luzon in the next 24 hours.
