The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, Dec. 2, said that 'Nyatoh' intensified and has now reached the typhoon category. However, considering the shift in previously issued forecast tracks, this cyclone may not enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
“The center line of the current track forecast shows that this cyclone may not enter the PAR considering the eastward shift in the previously issued track forecasts. If this scenario continues to persist, a final tropical cyclone advisory may be issued within the day,” said PAGASA in its 5 a.m. tropical cyclone advisory.
Nevertheless, the public is still advised to monitor for updates regarding the typhoon.
As of 4 a.m., the center of 'Nyatoh' was located at 1,370 kilometers (km) east northeast of southern Luzon or 1,560 km east of central Luzon outside PAR. It has maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, gustiness up to 10 kph, and is moving northward at 20 kph.
“Despite its distance from the Philippine landmass, the trough of this typhoon will bring increased likelihood of scattered light to moderate with at times heavy rains and thunderstorms over Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao in the next 24 hours,” said PAGASA.
The state weather bureau advised the public and disaster management offices to take appropriate measures and monitor for thunderstorm or rainfall advisories which may be issued by the agency. (Charie Mae F. Abarca)