Manila: Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Gorio has decelerated, moving at 20 kilometers per hour (kph) west southwestward, and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday night.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gorio was positioned 1,060 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon as of 4 p.m. on Monday. The storm has maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Gorio is not expected to affect the country directly in the coming three days, although it will cause moderate seas over the coastal waters of extreme Northern Luzon. PAGASA continues to advise caution for those venturing into the sea aboard small motorboats.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” is set to bring rains to several areas. Isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are anticipated over regions including Negros Island Region, Western Visayas, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and Palawan. Other parts of the country may also experience isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms, according to PAGASA.
