Dindo intensifies into a tropical storm; Monday PAR exit expected

Dindo intensified into a tropical storm late Saturday, even as it headed northwest at 20 kilometers per hour and was thus expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday morning.

According to weather service PAGASA's 11 p.m. Severe Weather Bulletin, Dindo was 500 kilometers east-northeast of Batanes' Basco town, with 65 kph winds which could gust up to 80 kph.

Given its course and speed, Dindo would be 455 kms northeast of Basco by Sunday evening; and 680 kms north of Basco and outside the PAR by Monday evening.

While Dindo had no direct impact on the country and would likely remain far from the Philippine landmass, it was projected to intensify further into a severe tropical storm in the next two to three days ahead of its landfall over eastern China.

A Gale Warning was also in effect over northern Luzon's seaboards and the western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon. Sea travel was thus risky over these areas due to rough to very rough seas.

Small seacraft were also advised to take precautionary measures while sailing over the country's other seaboards due to moderate to rough seas.

There were no wind signals in effect over the country, but the southwest monsoon would bring light to moderate with at times heavy rain over Luzon, the Western Visayas, Central Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro.

Flooding and rain-induced landslides may thus occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards. — DVM, GMA News