The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday said Tropical Storm “Hagupit” slightly intensified as it moved westward over the Philippine Sea while remaining outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
In its 4 p.m. Tropical Cyclone Formation Outlook issued on May 8, PAGASA said the center of “Hagupit,” formerly monitored as Low Pressure Area 05b, was estimated at 1,395 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao as of 2 p.m.
The tropical storm was carrying maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 105 kph, while moving westward at 20 kph.
According to PAGASA, satellite images from Himawari showed improved cloud organization around the system, indicating gradual intensification as it continues moving over open waters east of the country.
Although still outside PAR, weather specialists warned that “Hagupit” may enhance the easterlies and bring cloudy skies and rain showers over parts of Eastern Visayas and Mindanao.
PAGASA advised the public, especially fisherfolk and residents in vulnerable coastal communities, to continue monitoring official weather bulletins and updates as the storm moves across the western Pacific.
The weather disturbance initially developed from a low-pressure area east of Mindanao before intensifying into a tropical storm outside the country’s monitoring area.