The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on late Wednesday afternoon reported that Severe Tropical Storm “Verbena” (international name: Koto) maintained its strength as it approached the waters off the Kalayaan Islands.
Its center was last estimated 230 kilometers northeast of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan, moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph).
The severe tropical storm had maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.
According to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted above the Kalayaan Islands in Luzon.
Verbena is forecast to move westward or west-northwestward over the West Philippine Sea today through tomorrow afternoon and pass north of Kalayaan Islands, exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight or tomorrow early morning.
It is expected to continue intensifying within the next 48 hours due to a favorable environment.
Afterward, the surge of the northeast monsoon will result in a slight weakening trend for the rest of the forecast period.
