Tropical storm “Meranti” entered the country’s area of responsibility yesterday afternoon and was given the local name “Ferdie.”
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration spotted Ferdie at 1,410 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora before noon yesterday, moving 20 kilometers per hour west-northwest with maximum sustained winds of 105 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph.
This morning, Ferdie is expected to be 955 kms east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora and 395 kms east-southeast of Basco, Batanes tomorrow morning.
On Wednesday morning, it will be 140 kms west of Itbayat, Batanes and is expected to leave the country’s area of responsibility by Thursday.
Meanwhile, the low-pressure area west of the country is already outside the area of responsibility or 560 kms west-northwest of Puerto Princesa City.
PAGASA said generally improved weather aside from isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will be experienced over Palawan. (Ellalyn B. de Vera)