Typhoon Pedring intensifies

Manila, PHILIPPINES - As of 11:00 AM today, September 26, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) places twenty-six (26) areas Storm Signal Number one while fourteen (14) were placed under Storm Signal No. 2 as tropical storm Pedring (international name: Nesat) intensifies into a typhoon.

PAGASA further mentioned that Pedring moved a slightly faster and may will landfall over northern Luzon by early Tuesday morning. The weather agency also estimated 15 to 25 millimeter per hour of rainfall within the 650-kilometer (km) diameter of Pedring.

As of the 11:00 AM, Monday, tYphoon Pedring was located 350 km east southeast of Casiguran, Aurora, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.

On the other hand, Casiguran, Auroracautioned inhabitants in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides. It also alerted those living in coastal areas to be alert against big waves or storm surges.

PAGASA said typhoon Pedring is expected to intensify the southwest monsoon and will bring scattered to widespread rains over southern Luzon and the Visayas.

By Wednesday evening, NESAT will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on its way towards Hainan Island, Southern China.