WORK in government offices and classes in public schools at all levels have been suspended in Metro Manila due to “inclement weather” brought about by Tropical Storm Gorio (international name Noru), Malacañang said on Thursday.

In a press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the announcement to suspend office work and classes in public sector, starting 1 p.m. Thursday, came from the Office of Executive Secretary (OES).

Abella said the OES also announced the suspension of classes in public schools at all levels in Metro Manila.

He said suspension of classes in private schools is left to the discretion of their respective school heads.

“Private schools may have their option whether to suspend it or not,” he said.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Gorio, spotted 615 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, has slowed down while maintaining its strength.

Pagasa said Gorio has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

Estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within 450 km. diameter of the tropical storm.

The government weather bureau said Gorio is expected to intensify into a severe tropical storm within the next 24 hours.

“This weather system will enhance southwest monsoon, which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over the western section of Luzon, including Metro Manila, and light to moderate rains over the rest of Luzon and Visayas,” Pagasa said. (SunStar Philippines)