The tropical cyclone being monitored east of Mindanao has intensified into a tropical storm ahead of its expected entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility last night or this morning.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration estimated the location of the tropical storm with international name “Phanfone” at 1,365 kilometers east of Mindanao as of noon yesterday.
From maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph around 3 a.m., the weather disturbance gained strength and now has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph around 11 a.m. yesterday.
Should it maintain its northwest track at 15 kph, PAGASA said Phanfone will be inside the PAR between last night and this morning and will be given a local name “Ursula,” PAGASA weather specialist Meno Mendoza said. It will be the 21st tropical cyclone, and most likely the final, this year.
Phanfone has no direct effect yet over any part of the country as of noon yesterday, but may begin to bring moderate to occasional heavy rains over Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao on Christmas Eve when it is seen to further intensify into a severe tropical storm.
PAGASA said the tropical storm is still headed for a landfall over Eastern Visayas or Caraga tomorrow night, then traverse Visayas on its way to the West Philippine Sea on Christmas Day.
Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Northeastern Mindanao will be cloudy with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and gusty winds due to the tropical cyclone that may cross Visayas. (Ellalyn Ruiz)