Pagasa: ‘Maring’ moving faster but maintains strength

MT Satellite image August 20, 2013 12:00NN. Screengrab from https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical storm “Maring” (international codename: Trami) maintained its strength as it moved faster north midday Tuesday.

The storm accelerated at 19 kilometers per hour in a northern direction, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its weather bulletin at 11a.m.

“Maring” was last observed 595 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 120 kph.

It is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday morning or 560 kilometers northwest of Itbayat.

Heavy torrential rains are forecast within its 500-km diameter. It will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon affecting Luzon and Western Visayas.