Inday to intensify over the weekend

MANILA, Philippines — The trough of Severe Tropical Storm Inday will bring rains over more areas in the country as the weather disturbance is expected to further intensify this weekend.

In its 5 p.m. advisory yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Inday was expected to reach typhoon category within 24 hours.

Inday intensified into a severe tropical storm at 8 a.m. yesterday.

The cyclone is expected to further strengthen tomorrow or early Monday as it moves over the Philippine Sea.

Inday’s trough will bring scattered rains over Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Northern Samar and Quezon.

PAGASA said the cyclone is not expected to bring heavy rain and hoisting of wind signals over any land area is unlikely.

Inday was estimated at 720 kilometers east of Aparri or 730 kms east of Calayan in Cagayan as of 4 p.m. yesterday.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 100 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kph while moving northwest.

Inday is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early next week.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned the public of flashfloods or landslides during heavy rain.

Inday is the ninth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

PAGASA had earlier said up to nine tropical cyclones may enter or develop in PAR from September to December.