‘Kiko’ intensifies as it heads out PAR; warning signals lifted

PHOTO FROM PAGASA

Tropical cyclone warning signals were lifted as tropical depression “Kiko” intensified and slowed down towards Balintang Channel on Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its 11:00 a.m. weather forecast that Kiko has intensified from 50 kph to 60 kph near the center, with gusts of up to 70 kph.

Kiko maintained its track northwest but slowed down at 10 kph from early morning’s 20 kph.

The tropical depression was located at 115 km West of Basco, Batanes as of 10:00 a.m., the state weather bureau said.

While Kiko will continue to intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours, Pagasa said it will exit the Philippine area of responsibility Wednesday late evening or Thursday early morning.

Fisherfolks and those with small sea crafts were advised not to venture out over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon due to the tropical depression, said Pagasa. je