A satellite image released by Pagasa shows clusters of clouds over and around the Philippines (right). PAGASA PHOTO
The low pressure area near Sorsogon has dissipated, while the storm outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) gained strength, the state weather bureau said midday Monday.
Tropical Storm Nepartak moved northwest at 30 kilometers per hour. It will enter the PAR by Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its 11:30 a.m. advisory.
The storm will be locally named “Butchoy” when it enters the PAR.
Estimates showed the storm at 1,855 kilometers east of Visayas. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph.
By Tuesday morning, Nepartak is forecast to be 1,655 kilometers east of the Infanta, Quezon; 935 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, by Wednesday morning and 450 kilometers north northwest of Itbayat by Thursday morning. RAM/rga
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