Signal No. 2 up in Batanes as ‘Gorio’ intensifies into typhoon

Signal No. 2 was raised over Batanes as “Gorio” (Nesat) intensified into a typhoon on Friday afternoon, the state weather bureau said.

The typhoon packed maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 145 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Babuyan Group of Islands.

Gorio was last spotted 300 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, and it will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing moderate to occasionally heavy rains over the western section of Luzon including Metro Manila and light to moderate rains over the rest of Luzon.

The tropical depression tracked over the West Philippine Sea remained outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). It is not expected to enter PAR.

Gorio is forecast to leave the PAR by Sunday.