'Nando' slightly intensifies, still unlikely to affect PH

MANILA, September 19 ------ Tropical Storm Nando slightly intensified Friday, the weather bureau said. The tropical storm was traced 1,075 km. east of central Luzon as of 4 a.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

No tropical cyclone is hoisted and Nando is unlikely to affect the weather in the next 48 hours. Nando, however, is forecast to enhance the southwest monsoon beginning Saturday. Meanwhile, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon and Nando's trough will cause strong to gale-force gusts across the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas.

Nando is also unlikely to affect the country's sea condition in the next 24 hours. PAGASA forecast moderate to rough seas in most of the coastal waters in Luzon beginning Sunday. Meanwhile, PAGASA said the cyclone could possibly pass close or may make landfall over the Babuyan Islands early next week. The cyclone is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday afternoon or evening, PAGASA said.

Source: pna.gov.ph