Tropical storm “Ineng” (international name “Bailu”) intensified into a severe tropical storm yesterday and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tonight.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Ineng is expected to maintain its severe tropical storm status while inside the country and is unlikely to develop into a typhoon.
PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin dela Cruz added that the chance of Ineng to make a landfall is still slim as it moves over the east Philippine Sea and far from the land mass.
In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said the eye of the storm was 500 kilometers east northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and is now moving at a slightly faster pace north-northwest at 25 kilometers per hour.
The tropical cyclone has maintained wind strength of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.
Based on PAGASA’s forecast track, Ineng may exit PAR by tonight.
PAGASA said strong winds can be felt over parts of Northern Luzon where the storm is closer.
Storm warning signal No. 2 was raised in Batanes. Signal No. 1 is still up in Cagayan, including Babuyan Group of Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, northern Abra, and Ilocos Norte.
PAGASA said moderate to heavy rains will prevail over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands due to Ineng today.
Light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains may be experienced over Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro provinces, and northern portions of Palawan, including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, due to the storm and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.” (Alexandria San Juan)
