'Isang' to exit PAR Wednesday night, now a tropical storm

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression "Isang" intensified into a tropical storm as it is about to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the state weather bureau said Wednesday afternoon.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Isang has strengthened as it now traverses the Luzon Strait. It is packed with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

As of 4 p.m., Isang was spotted at 210 kilometers northwest of Aparri, Cagayan. It is projected to move northwest at 22 kph.

Public storm signal No. 1 is raised over Ilocos Norte, Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, and Batanes Group of Islands.

PAGASA said Isang will enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Western Visayas.

Moderate to heavy rainfall (5 to 15 millimeters) is expected within the 300 kilometer-diameter of the tropical storm.

PAGASA said Isang is expected to be out of the PAR by Wednesday evening and at 700 km northwest of Aparri, Cagayan tomorrow afternoon.

The agency advised residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signal no. 1 against possible flashfloods and landslides.