(Image grabbed from PAGASA's Facebook page)
MANILA – Weather disturbance "Auring" has intensified into a severe tropical storm (STS) as it continues to move slowly to the southwest, the weather bureau said Friday.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Auring" now packs maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.
Auring was last seen 535 km. east southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 was hoisted over Davao Oriental, the eastern portion of Davao de Oro (Pantukan, Maragusan, New Bataan, Compostela, Monkayo), the eastern portion of Agusan del Sur (Sibagat, Bayugan City, Prosperidad, Talacogon, San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Santa Josefa, Trento), and Surigao del Sur.
Light to moderate, with at times heavy rain showers is expected to continue over Caraga, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.
PAGASA said strong breeze to near-gale conditions with occasionally higher gusts are being experienced over northern Luzon and the eastern section of central and southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao due to the surge of the northeast monsoon.
Rough to high seas will be experienced over the eastern seaboard of Mindanao.
Rough to very rough seas are forecast over the seaboards of northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of central and southern Luzon and the Visayas. Sea travel is risky for all types of sea vessels over these waters.
Elsewhere, moderate to rough seas may also continue in the next 24 hours. PAGASA advised mariners of small seacraft to take precautionary measures when venturing out to the sea. (PNA)
