Igme now a typhoon

State weather agency Pagasa on Monday said tropical storm Igme has intensified into a typhoon, moving slowly north.

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, it said the eye of Igme was located based on satellite and surface data at 310 km east of Aparri, Cagayan (18.5°N, 124.9°E).

It has maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph while moving north slowly.

The typhoon is expected to be at 310 km east of Aparri, Cagayan by Tuesday afternoon and 245 km east northeast of Basco, Batanes by Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday afternoon, it is expected to be at 285 km north northwest of Basco, Batanes.

Public storm warning signal No. 1 was hoisted in Isabela and Cagayan.

Pagasa said estimated rainfall amount is from 5 – 15 mm per hour (moderate – heavy) within the 550 km diameter of the typhoon.

Typhoon “Igme” is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring light to moderate rains over Luzon especially the western section particularly Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas and Mindoro.

It said fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboards of Central and southern Luzon due to big waves caused by typhoon and the southwest monsoon.