Tropical storm Jenny heads northwest

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical storm Jenny may intensify into a severe tropical storm today and reach typhoon category by tomorrow, as it makes its way towards the Philippine landmass.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Jenny is not directly affecting the country yet, but it may bring heavy rainfall over Batanes and the Babuyan islands this week.

Jenny was monitored at 995 kms east of Central Luzon as of 3 p.m., carrying maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

PAGASA said tropical cyclone wind signals may be hoisted over parts of Extreme Northern Luzon by today or tomorrow.

The storm is moving generally northwestward at 10 kph until tomorrow before turning westnorthward on Tuesday.

State weather forecasters said that landfall, or a close approach over extreme Northern Luzon or northeastern mainland Cagayan, is not ruled out.

Jenny is forecast to enhance the southwest monsoon that may bring possible occasional rains over the western portions of Southern Luzon and the Visayas starting today.

The trough of Jenny will continue to bring scattered rains over Quezon, the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas.

The southwest monsoon is also bringing cloudy skies and scattered rains over MIMAROPA, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the rest of the Visayas.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country may see isolated rains due to Jenny’s trough, as well as localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during heavy rains.