'Kong-Rey' now a severe tropical storm, may enter PAR on Monday

MANILA, Philippines — "Kong-Rey," the tropical cyclone outside the Philippine area of responsibility PAGASA is monitoring, has intensified and is now a severe tropical storm. 

It packs maximum sustained winds of 100 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph.

The center of  "Kong-Rey" was estimated as of 10 a.m. Sunday at 1,445 km east of Visayas, outside PAR, PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. update.

It moves at a west-northwest direction at 25 kph and is expected to enter PAR between Monday evening, October 1, and Tuesday morning, October 2. It will be named "Queenie" upon entry inside PAR.

It is expected to intensify into a typhoon while inside PAR.