Storm signals up in Bataan, Zambales

MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image as of 4:32 p.m., 03 October 2012

MANILA, Philippines—Storm signals were raised in Bataan and Zambales as tropical storm “Marce” moved closer to the area, the state weather bureau said Wednesday.

Public storm warning signal number 1, with winds of 30-60 kilometers per hour, was raised by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration while Marce maintained its strength.

Marce, which was last spotted 240 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gusts of up to 100kph. It moved slowly south southeast.

Moderate to intense rains were seen within 400 km of Marce, and will enhance the southwest monsoon. It will bring occasional moderate to heavy rains over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Calabarzon and Bicol region.

Fishing boats and other small vessels were warned over western seaboard of Luzon.

Marce was forecast by Pagasa to 630 kilometers west of Metro Manila by Friday.