A TROPICAL storm outside the Philippine area of responsibility named “Bebinca” had intensified on Wednesday, threatening to enter the country on Friday afternoon or evening.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the center of the storm was estimated at 1,825 kilometers east northeast of Eastern Visayas or 1,955 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon.
“Bebinca” was moving westward at 25 km/hr with maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour, gustiness of up to 105 km/h and central pressure of 992 hPa.
It was moving away from the United States island territory of Guam. It is forecast to strengthen, possibly reaching severe tropical storm status within 24 hours and typhoon status late Thursday.
PAGASA said should “Bebinca” enter the PAR, it is expected to exit on Saturday morning. Even before the storm’s entry into PAR, “Bebinca” will already begin enhancing the southwest monsoon.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Tropical Storm ‘Bebinca’ intensifies outside PAR as trough affects eastern Visayas, Mindanao.”
