TD Ineng maintains strength, slightly enhances Habagat

Tropical Depression Ineng maintained its strength, slightly enhancing the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, and may develop into a tropical storm, state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Ineng was located 75 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km per hour and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.

Ineng, which was moving westward slowly, is not directly affecting the country but is slightly enhancing Habagat alongside Tropical Storm Haikui (local name: Hanna), PAGASA said.

Due to this, occasional to monsoon rains are expected over the western portions of Luzon in the next three days.

The enhanced Habagat will bring gusty conditions over Batanes, Ilocos provinces, the western portion of Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Kalayaan Islands, Lubang Island, and Romblon on Tuesday.

A gale warning is also in effect for the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the western seaboard of Central Luzon, the western and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon, and the western seaboard of Visayas.

“Some disruption in civilian maritime activities is expected over these areas (e.g., suspension of sea travel) due to hazardous sea conditions,” PAGASA said.

Ineng is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass as it tracks a generally northeastward or north northeastward direction while gradually intensifying.

The tropical cyclone may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday evening or Wednesday as a tropical storm, according to PAGASA. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News