'Jenny' accelerates, may intensify into typhoon by October 2

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:49 p.m.) — Tropical Storm Jenny has maintained its strength as it accelerates west southwestward over the Philippine Sea, according to the latest forecast of PAGASA.

The cyclone was last observed at around 1,025 kilometers east of Central Luzon at around 10 a.m. on Saturday.

• Maximum sustained winds: 65 kilometers per hour near the center
• Gustiness: up to 80 kph
• Direction: west southwestward
• Movement: 35 kph

"Tropical Storm Jenny is not directly affecting the country at this time. However, due to the proximity of the track forecast to extreme Northern Luzon, heavy rainfall over Batanes and Babuyan Islands may be experienced on Tuesday or Wednesday," said the state weather bureau.

"A landfall or close approach scenario over extreme Northern Luzon or northeastern mainland Cagayan is not ruled out since these scenarios are within the forecast confidence cone."

The tropical cyclone is seen to move northwestward until Monday. Jenny is expected to steadily intensify throughout the forecast period and could possibly reach severe tropical storm category come Sunday.

"The current forecast scenario shows that tropical cyclone wind signals may be hoisted over extreme Northern Luzon tomorrow or on Monday in anticipation of the onset of tropical cyclone severe winds," PAGASA said.

"Furthermore, this tropical cyclone may reach typhoon category on late Monday or on Tuesday."

Jenny may also enhance the prevailing southwest monsoon, resulting in occasional rains over the western parts of Southern Luzon and Visayas on Sunday.

The habagat's potential enhancement will bring gusty conditions to the following areas on Sunday, especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds:

• Palawan
• Romblon
• most of Visayas
• Dinagat Islands