Verbena seen to strengthen into tropical storm

Tropical Depression Verbena is expected to intensify into a tropical storm today as it moves across the coastal waters of the Cuyo Archipelago and a projected landfall in northern Palawan last night, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

In its 5 p.m. bulletin yesterday, PAGASA said the cyclone's center was spotted near the coastal waters of Cuyo, Palawan, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 70 kph as it moved westward at 25 kph.

Signal No. 1 remains in effect over several provinces in Luzon and the Visayas, including Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, portions of Romblon and northern and central Palawan, as well as Antique and parts of Aklan. The warning covers areas that may experience minimal to minor wind impacts.

PAGASA said Verbena may strengthen into a tropical storm while skirting the northern part of Palawan.

Should this occur, Signal No. 2 will be the highest alert raised during the cyclone's passage.

The weather bureau also warned that the combined effects of the northeast monsoon and Verbena will bring gusty conditions – reaching strong to gale-force strength – to large parts of Luzon and the Visayas, including coastal and upland areas. These conditions may persist through Thursday.

A gale warning has been hoisted over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, with rough to very rough sea conditions posing hazards to small vessels.