MANILA – Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Fabian slightly intensified, but is still unlikely to bring heavy rains across the country. More areas in Luzon, however, will experience monsoon rains.
Based on the weather bureau's 11 a.m. bulletin, "Fabian" now packs maximum sustained winds of 100 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 125 kph.
The STS was last tracked 960 kilometers east northeast of extreme northern Luzon.
No tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) is currently in effect. However, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said there is an increasing likelihood that TCWS no. 1 may be hoisted over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Residents and disaster managers in those areas are advised to continuously monitor the tropical cyclone bulletins.
Meanwhile, "Fabian" and the weather disturbance outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) with international name, "Cempaka", continue to enhance the southwest monsoon.
Monsoon rains will be experienced over Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, northern Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands.
The enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to cause rough to very rough seas over the seaboards of Batanes and Babuyan Islands, and the western seaboard of Palawan (including Kalayaan and Calamian Islands) and Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Islands).
PAGASA said sea travel is risky for small seacraft, while mariners without proper experience should immediately seek safe harbor. (PNA)