Tropical storm expected to enter PAR Wednesday afternoon or evening

The tropical cyclone being monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) intensified into a tropical storm on Wednesday and may enter PAR within the day, PAGASA said.

"The tropical cyclone intensified into tropical storm at 8:00 AM today. Intensification into severe tropical storm is likely in the next 24 hours," PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. advisory.

"Further intensification may occur as the tropical cyclone moves over the Philippine Sea," it added.

PAGASA said the tropical storm may enter PAR either on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, PAGASA weather forecaster Anna Clauren said there is no "landfall scenario" for the tropical storm, which will be named Inday once it enters PAR.

As of 10 a.m., the tropical storm was located at 1,445 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, PAGASA said. It is expected to decelerate and will move generally west southwestward or southwestward in the next 12 hours.

"A more northwestward turn may begin tonight or tomorrow early morning," PAGASA said.

The tropical storm has a maximum sustained winds of 65 km per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 80 km/h, central pressure of 1002 hPa, and strong winds extend outwards up to 310 km from the center, PAGASA said. It is moving southwestward at 25 km/h.

According to PAGASA, the tropical storm is unlikely to directly bring heavy rainfall and severe winds to the Philippines.

It added that moderate to rough seas over the seaboards of extreme northern Luzon may be experienced during the weekend due to the tropical storm.

"Such condition may be risky for those using small seacraft. Mariners are advised to continue monitoring for updates," PAGASA said.  —KBK, GMA News