Crising Intensifies into Tropical Storm

Crising, the third tropical depression to enter the country this year, may intensify into a tropical storm today and further strengthen into a severe tropical storm by tomorrow, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Crising was located 625 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 55 kph. It was moving west-southwest at 20 kph with a central pressure of 1002 hPa.

Though still outside the Philippine area of responsibility, Crising's trough is already bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms over Bicol and Eastern Visayas. Winds extend up to 280 km from the center. Its circulation has a wide reach, with strong winds extending outward up to 280 km from the center.

No tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised as of yesterday, but PAGASA warned that Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over parts of Cagayan Valley and Catanduanes depending on the system's movment. The highest possible signal during Crising's passage is Signal No. 3 or 4.