Tropical depression “Dante” intensified into a tropical storm yesterday but does not pose a threat to the country during the long holiday weekend, according to State weather forecasters.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Dante entered the country’s area of responsibility yesterday morning and was estimated at 1,770 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes before noon.
It is the second tropical cyclone to enter the country’s area of responsibility this month and the fourth this year.
Dante is expected to move northwest slowly at 11 kilometers per hour, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
It will be 1,165 kms east of Casiguran, Aurora this morning, and 1,445 kms east of Aparri, Cagayan tomorrow morning.
PAGASA does not expect the tropical cyclone to directly affect the country. Thus, the warm and humid easterlies will remain the predominant weather system across the eastern part of the country. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)