‘Ofel’ leaves Philippines; slightly gains strength

MANILA -- Tropical Storm "Ofel" left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Friday afternoon and slightly gained strength as it moved on a west-northwest direction across the West Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecaster Connie Dadivas said Ofel’s wind strength increased from 75 kilometers per hour (kph) to 85 kph while its gustiness also rose from 90 kph to 100 kph.

Dadivas said that as of 4 p.m. Friday, the center of the storm was located at 570 kilometers (km) west of Iba, Zambales, maintaining its speed at 22 kph on a west-northwest direction.

With this direction and speed, she said the storm would likely head toward Vietnam.

Dadivas said the rainbands of storm Ofel would still bring light to moderate rains over Luzon, including Metro Manila. The Visayas and Minanao will be partly cloudy with isolated rainshowers. (PNA)