TROPICAL Storm Surigae (international name) is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday (April 16), and will be given the local name, “Bising“.
In a virtual presser on Wednesday, weather specialist Ariel Rojas said “Surigae” is slowly moving and is almost stationary. It may reach the severe tropical storm category in the next 24 hours.
“There is a small chance that it could affect the country in the next three days,” Rojas said.
The isolated rain showers currently being experienced in some areas are only caused by localized thunderstorms, he added.
“Surigae” was last seen 1,205 kilometers east of Mindanao, outside PAR. It packs 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) forecast “Surigae” to intensify and reach the typhoon category by Friday.
Considering the uncertainty in the track forecast of the tropical storm, PAGASA said a westward shift in the current forecast track may result in potentially significant impacts over the eastern portions of southern Luzon and the Visayas from Saturday to Monday. Philippine News Agency
