‘Domeng’ intensifies slightly as another storm builds up near PH

Tropical Depression Domeng intensified slightly as another tropical storm builds up just outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the country’s weather bureau said.

In its Thursday noon bulletin, the Philippine Atmospherical, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said  Domeng now has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph

Domeng, which is moving at a speed of 15 kph, was spotted at 615 kilometers northeast of Borongan City, Northern Samar.

Pagasa’s forecast said Domeng may be located 700 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan in 24 hours.

Pagasa’s Weather Specialist Obet Badrina said that Domeng has no direct effect on the country. However, it strengthened the southwest monsoon which will bring moderate to heavy rains in Region IV-B and the western side of Luzon including Metro Manila.

No tropical cyclone signal has been raised as of now as Domeng is not expected to make landfall. The weather disturbance is still expected to leave PAR on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, Badrina said that Pagasa is also tracking Tropical Storm Ewiniar which is at 1,075 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes although they do not expect it to have a big impact on the weather system.

Badrina also said that Ewiniar has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour. Pagasa forecasts predict that Ewiniar would weaken as it approaches the land mass of China.

Pagasa also advised fishermen with small boats to refrain from sailing as waves in different coastlines in the country may range from moderate to rough. /vvp