Tropical depression "Gorio" slightly intensified before it left the country's area of responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 4, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.

As of 4 p.m., the center of Gorio was estimated at 800 kilometers northeast of extreme northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Gorio will likely intensify into a tropical storm within 12 hours, PAGASA said.

It is currently moving northeast at 15 kph.

PAGASA said the cyclone may move northeast towards southern Japan in the next 24 hours then move more east-northeastward away from the Philippines.

Although it is already outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), tropical depression Gorio may still enhance the southwest monsoon or "habagat" that could bring rains over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Batanes, Babuyan, Zambales, and Bataan in the next 24 hours.

PAGASA warned against possible flash floods or rain-induced landslides during heavy or prolonged rainfall, especially in areas that are highly susceptible to these hazards.

Occasional gusty conditions associated with the enhanced southwest monsoon are also expected in northern and western sections of Luzon, especially in the coastal and upland areas.

Moreover, rough to very rough seas will prevail over the seaboards of northern and western Luzon.

PAGASA warned that sea travel will be risky for small sea crafts, while mariners without the proper experience were advised to immediately seek safe harbor.