Pack an umbrella this weekend as Severe Tropical Storm “Gorio” continues to enhance the southwest monsoon before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility by Sunday, state weather bureau PAGASA said Friday.
In its 11 a.m. weather briefing, PAGASA said “Gorio” was spotted 360 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of up to 105 kph near the center and gusts of up to 130 kph.
“As of 10 a.m., Gorio, moving at northwest at 15 kph, is expected to hover near Taiwan on Saturday, and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Sunday as it barrels towards China,” weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said.
He added that Gorio is not expected to make landfall in any part of the Philippines.
In a separate DZMM interview, Aurelio said Gorio is affecting the southwest monsoon or habagat, bringing intermittent rains.
“One characteristic of the southwest monsoon is that it brings several days of rain in parts of the country, especially Luzon. Another characteristic is that the habagat brings a downpour early in the morning, with breaks,” he said.
“We should prepare because the southwest monsoon brings lots of rain. Sometimes, it is weak, and then moderate or strong. Even if there’s little rain but it continues all day, it can cause flooding,” he added.
He said another tropical depression has been spotted outside the Philippine area of responsibility.
PAGASA said Signal Number 1 has been raised in Batanes.
Though no storm signals were hoisted over other parts of the country, Metro Manila, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Calabarzon, as well as other parts of Western Visayas will continue to experience rain showers and strong winds, Aurelio said.
Coastal waters over western Luzon will be moderate to rough, with a wave height of 1.25 to 4 meters which are dangerous to small sea vessels.
Classes have been suspended in Metro Manila and nearby areas because of expected heavy monsoon rains Friday.
Re-published by ABS-CBN News
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