By Alexandria Dennise San Juan
Tropical Depression "Domeng" has intensified into a Tropical Storm as it continue to move northeast enhancing the Southwest Monsoon that will bring moderate to occasional heavy rains over Luzon and parts of Visayas.
TD Domeng (PAGASA satellite image)
In the latest weather forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the eye of the tropical depression was last seen at 560 km East of Aparri, Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 60 kilometer per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kilometer per hour.
PAGASA said that the chances of "Domeng" making a landfall is still slim but is expected to intensify the Southwest Monsoon or "Habagat."
Monsoon rains are expected to fall over Luzon and parts of Visayas this weekend due to monsoon trough.
The combined effects of "Domeng" and the Southwest Monsoon will bring moderate to occasional heavy rains over Aurora, Bataan and the regions of Bicol, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Western Visayas, while scattered rainshowers will prevail over the rest of Luzon and of Visayas today.
Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will prevail over the rest of Luzon and of Visayas due to monsoon trough.
Meanwhile, Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers caused by localized thunderstorms.
The weather state bureau advised residents of these areas to take appropriate actions against possible flash floods and landslides and coordinate with their local disaster and risk reduction management offices.
PAGASA also warned the public that sea travel is risky over the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon and of Visayas, and the western seaboard of Southern Luzon.
PAGASA said that "Domeng" is moving North Northeast at 17 kilometers per hour towards Okinawa, Japan.
The tropical storm is expected to be at 855 kilometer east northeast of Basco, Batanes on Saturday afternoon.
"Domeng" is expected to exit PAR tomorrow, Sunday.