by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin
Tropical cyclone “Isang” (international name “Omais”) has intensified into a tropical storm while over the Philippine Sea on Friday evening, Aug. 20, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 p.m. bulletin.
PAGASA said that storm Isang has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
Its location was estimated 835 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon as of 10 p.m.
PAGASA said the storm is still not expected to have a direct effect on the country until it leaves the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday, Aug. 22.
Isang may continue to intensify until Saturday evening, Aug. 21 when it is likely to reach its peak intensity.
“A weakening trend may commence by Sunday which may result in Isang being downgraded to tropical depression category by Monday evening (Aug. 23),” PAGASA said.
The State weather bureau pointed out that the easterlies or the warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean remain the dominant weather system that may bring partly cloudy to cloudy conditions across the country in the next 24 hours.
However, there is a high chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA warned the public against flash floods or landslides that may occur during severe thunderstorms, which are often associated with short-lived heavy rain, lightning, thunder, gusty winds, and sometimes hail.
