Gorio gains strength while moving away from PHL

Tropical Storm Gorio (Rumbia) gained strength as it continued to move away from the Philippines Sunday afternoon, with state weather forecasters warning it may still pose a threat to fishermen.

PAGASA forecaster Fernando Cada also said they are now tracking a cloud formation that could form into another low-pressure area.

"Wala na itong epekto sa anumang kalupaan [pero] ang ulan niya, offshore," Cada said in an interview on dzBB radio, referring to Gorio.

He said Gorio may cause big waves that may affect Scarborough Shoal and Mindoro.

PAGASA, in its 5 p.m. advisory, said Gorio was estimated at 230 km west of Dagupan City as of 4 p.m., with maximum winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

It said Gorio was moving northwest at 26 kph and is expected to be 430 km southwest of Laoag City and out of the Philippine Area of Responsibity (PAR) Monday morning.

By Monday afternoon it is expected to be 610 km northwest of Laoag City.

Under Storm Signal No. 1 are Pangasinan and Zambales. Public storm warning signals elsewhere were lowered.

"Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal No. 1 are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves," PAGASA said.

It added Gorio may bring rainfall of 5 to 17 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within is 400-km diameter.

Also, PAGASA warned fishermen, especially those using small seacraft, not to venture out into the western seaboards of Luzon due to big waves generated by Gorio.

Gale warning

PAGASA said strong to gale-force winds associated with the surge of southwest monsoon enhanced by Gorio may affect the western seaboard of Luzon.

"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," it said.

Cloud formation

Meanwhile, Cada said they are tracking a cloud formation in the Pacific Ocean and part of the inter-tropical convergence zone, though he said it is still too far to affect the Philippines and has little chance of becoming a low-pressure area. — BM, GMA News