'Bising' intensifies, may become storm; 3 million food packs ready

Tropical depression "Bising" has slightly intensified as it moves slowly northwestward over the sea west of extreme Northern Luzon, based on the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

- ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Forecast models also suggest that Bising could intensify into a tropical storm by today, July 5, as it traverses the open sea south of Taiwan.

As of 11 a.m. on Friday, the center of Bising was located 220 kilometers northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

It was moving west-southwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gusts reaching up to 70 kph.

PAGASA said Bising will continue its slow movement and is likely to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Friday afternoon.

However, a reentry by early Sunday, July 6, remains a possibility, depending on the cyclone's interaction with surrounding weather systems.

Although Bising remains offshore, its outer circulation combined with the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) is affecting parts of northern and western Luzon.

These conditions are bringing strong winds, intermittent rainfall, and rough coastal waters, particularly in areas exposed to prevailing winds.

Wind warnings

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is currently in effect over the western parts of Babuyan Islands (Calayan Island and Dalupiri Island), western portions of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos, Pasuquin, Dumalneg, Bacarra, Laoag City, Paoay, Currimao, Badoc, Pinili), and northwestern parts of Ilocos Sur (Caoayan, City of Vigan, Santa Catalina, San Vicente, Santo Domingo, Magsingal, San Juan, Cabugao, Sinait, San Ildefonso).