The tropical cyclone east of the Philippines entered the country’s area of responsibility yesterday and was locally called “Onyok” (international name “Mitag”).
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration weather specialist Meno Mendoza said Onyok – the fifth tropical cyclone to enter or form this month – entered the country’s vicinity as a tropical depression around 2 a.m.
Onyok further intensified into a tropical storm around noon yesterday. It had maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
It was estimated 980 kilometers east-northeast of Baler, Aurora or 945 kms east of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan yesterday afternoon.
Mendoza said the weather disturbance is not expected to make landfall over the country but may bring rains over eastern Luzon in the next few days.
Onyok is seen to further strengthen into a severe tropical storm within 24 hours. A tropical cyclone is classified as a severe tropical storm if it has maximum wind speed of 89 to 117 kph.
From Saturday until Sunday, the trough or extension of Onyok may bring scattered light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms over the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas.
Residents of these areas, especially those living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to floods and rain-induced landslides, were advised to take precautionary measures.
