PAGASA: 'Goring' to intensify southwest monsoon

MANILA, Philippines - A low-pressure area spotted off northern Luzon intensified yesterday into a tropical depression and is now the seventh cyclone to enter the country’s area of responsibility this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Tropical depression “Goring” was moving west-northwest at seven kilometers per hour, weather forecaster Gener Quitlong said.

Quitlong reported that as of 4 p.m. yesterday, Goring was estimated at 400 kilometers north-northeast of Basco, Batanes, with maximum winds of 55 kph near its center.  

But he said Goring might not make landfall and would just intensify the southwest monsoon.

“It is expected to be out of the Philippine area of responsibility within 24 to 48 hours and might make landfall in Taiwan before going to China and Hong Kong,” said Quitlong.

PAGASA said by tomorrow afternoon, the tropical cyclone would be at 600 kilometers northwest of Batanes.

Apart from Goring, the weather bureau also monitored a low-pressure area 320 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

In the next 24 hours, PAGASA said Luzon is expected to experience occasional rains becoming frequent over the western section of the country.

Eastern Mindanao would have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, which might trigger flashfloods and landslides.

Moderate to strong winds from the southwestern part of the country would prevail over Luzon, while coastal waters would be moderate to rough. 

PAGASA said the western seaboard of central and southern Luzon would be rough to very rough, and fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out to sea.

An average of 21 typhoons enter the country every year.