As tropical depression “Samuel” moves away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility, another storm may likely enter the country’s vicinity this weekend, according to the State weather bureau.
All tropical cyclone warning signals have been lifted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration as Samuel is expected to leave the PAR Thursday night.
Around noon Thursday, PAGASA estimated the location of Samuel at 240 kilometers west-northwest of Puerto Princesa City or over the West Philippine Sea. It slightly intensified with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 65 kph, moving west at 30 kph west.
Meanwhile, the other tropical cyclone being monitored by PAGASA east of Mindanao further intensified Thursday.
The severe tropical storm with international name “Man-yi” was estimated at 1,715 kms east of Mindanao or near Northern Marianas.
Man-yi, from having maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph Wednesday morning, now has maximum winds of 105 kph and gusts of up to 130 kph around noon yesterday, moving west-northwest but faster at 45 kph.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said Man-yi may enter the PAR by Sunday or Monday and will be named “Tomas.” Once it enters PAR, it will be the second tropical cyclone to enter the vicinity this month.
Estareja added that Man-yi may further intensify into a typhoon within 48 hours. Man-yi still has no direct effect over any part of the country and is less likely to make landfall. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)
