'Karen' may intensify into typhoon

MANILA -- Tropical Storm Karen is expected to intensify into typhoon as it moves over Philippine sea, the state weather bureau said on Thursday.

Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said "Karen’s" wind strength has increased from 95 kilometers per hour (kph) Wednesday afternoon to 105 kph Thursday, while its gustiness rose from 120 kph to 135 kph (kilometer per hour).

As of 4 a.m. Thursday, "Karen" was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 540 kms East of Virac, Catanduanes (14.4°N, 129.9°E) and maintained its speed of 15 kph, he said.

Aurelio said "Karen" may enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in the western sections.

He said it may not make landfall in any part of the country since it will only pass over the eastern sides of the country by the sea.

With its present speed, Aurelio said the storm is expected to leave the Philippine territory on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, and will head towards southern Japan.

"Karen" is forecast to be located 600 kms. east of Casiguran, Aurora by Thursday evening; and 520 kms. east of Calayan, Cagayan by Friday evening.

In its advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Metro Manila will be partly cloudy to cloudy with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Southwest and Manila bay will be moderate to rough.

Occasional light to moderate rains will be experienced over Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol region and Visayas; while the rest of the country will have partly cloudy skies with brief rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Southwest to South will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon while those coming from the Southwest to West will affect the rest of the country with moderate to rough seas.

Pagasa also issued gale warning as strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the sea conditions in these areas will be rough to very rough.

Small seacraft are advised not to venture out to sea, while larger vessels should watch out for large waves. (PNA)