MANILA – Weather disturbance "Florita" has intensified into a tropical storm and tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been hoisted over parts of Luzon, the weather bureau said.
In an update posted shortly before Monday noon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Florita" now packs 75 kilometers per hour winds near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
It was last tracked 215 km. east of Casiguran, Aurora, moving west southwestward at 15 kph.
Light to moderate, with at times heavy rains will continue to prevail over Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Aurora, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.
TCWS No. 2 has been hoisted over the eastern portion of Cagayan (Enrile, Tuguegarao City, Peñablanca, Iguig, Baggao, Gattaran, Lal-Lo, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Santa Ana), the eastern and central portions of Isabela (Cabagan, San Pablo, Santa Maria, Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, San Mariano, Ilagan City, Delfin Albano, Tumauini, Santo Tomas, Quezon, Mallig, Roxas, Quirino, San Manuel, Aurora, Cabatuan, Luna, Burgos, Gamu, Reina Mercedes, City of Cauayan, Alicia, San Isidro, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, San Guillermo, Angadanan, Naguilian, Benito Soliven, Dinapigue), the extreme northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran), and the northeastern portion of Quirino (Maddela).
Winds that could reach gale-force in strength may be experienced in those areas.
The rest of Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, the rest of Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis), and the northern portion of Polillo Island (Panukulan, Burdeos) were put under TCWS No. 1.
These areas may experience strong breeze to near gale strength winds.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said "Florita" is beginning to enhance the southwest monsoon (habagat).
Gusts reaching strong breeze to near gale strength may be experienced over Bicol Region, Batangas, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Northern Samar, Antique, and Aklan in the next 24 hours. (PNA)