Tropical Depression Goring has maintained its strength over the Philippine Sea near Batanes, the state weather bureau said in its latest bulletin on Thursday, August 24.
According to PAGASA, the center of the eye of Tropical Depression Goring was last located 355 kilometers (km) East Northeast of Calayan, Cagayan, or 300 km East of Basco, Batanes.
Goring has maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
It is presently moving North Northwestward at the speed of 15 kph and is foreseen to continue heading generally Northwestward.
“GORING is forecast to steadily intensify throughout the forecast period and may reach tropical storm category tonight or tomorrow early morning,” PAGASA said.
The state weather bureau added that Goring may develop into a typhoon by Saturday, August 26.
PAGASA said the country is unlikely to experience rain due to Goring. However, it noted that heavy rainfall is possible over Cagayan Valley once the Tropical Depression shifted westward.
Meanwhile, the state weather bureau said Goring may enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat and bring possible occasional rains over the western portions of Central and Southern Luzon.
The possible enhancement of the Southwest monsoon may also cause gusty conditions over Southern Luzon, Visayas, and portions of Caraga by Sunday or Monday.
PAGASA said moderate to rough seas may be experienced over the coastal waters of Extreme Northern Luzon and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan.
“Mariners of motor bancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to avoid navigating in these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels,” it advised.
The state weather bureau said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) may be hoisted in Northern Luzon areas on Thursday evening or Friday.
“However, the hoisting may happen earlier should there be changes in the forecast scenario,” it noted.
