Tropical storm to enter PAR, to be named ‘Ferdie’

Tropical storm ‘Meranti’ can be seen from this Pagasa satellite photo swirling on the far right. Pagasa said that Meranti would be named ‘Ferdie’ once it entered the Philippine area of responsibility. PAGASA PHOTO

The state weather bureau on Sunday said a severe tropical storm was about to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the storm, with an international name of “Meranti,” will be named Ferdie once it enters PAR.

As of 10 a.m., Pagasa located “Meranti” 1,410 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, still outside PAR.

The storm has maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph, and is forecast to move west northwest at 20 kph.

No tropical cyclone warning signal was raised.

Pagasa said “Meranti” is expected to exit PAR on Thursday, 625 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes./RGA