Typhoon outside PAR intensifies into storm

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday said that the typhoon outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has intensified into a tropical storm.

At a briefing, PAGASA weather specialist Rhea Torres said the tropical storm, with international name Ampil, was located 1,570 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

“The typhoon outside PAR has slightly strengthened as it is now under tropical storm category. The tropical storm is far and it has no direct effect in any parts of the country in the next few days,” Torres said.

She added that the tropical storm is moving northeastward slowly.

Meanwhile, Torres said the southwest monsoon will continue to affect Luzon and the western section of the Visayas.

“We have monitored cloud clusters, especially in Northern Luzon, that will bring rains in Northern Luzon and Central Luzon,” she said.

According to Torres, the rest of the country will experience thunderstorms in the afternoon and in the evening.