Mirasol to intensify into tropical storm

Tropical Depression Mirasol continued its northwestward track yesterday afternoon, crossing Apayao province while bringing rains and gusty winds to Northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.

- CHRISTINE BOTON

Mirasol is expected to maintain strength while crossing Northern Luzon and to reemerge over Ilocos Norte's coastal waters. It may intensify into a tropical storm over the Luzon Strait, possibly reaching a severe tropical storm category, before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility this morning.

As of 4 p.m., the center of Mirasol was located in the vicinity of Kabugao, Apayao, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

The cyclone was moving northwest at 20 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and parts of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet and La Union.