Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 20) — Severe tropical storm Fabian maintained its strength as it moves slowly northwestward, the state weather bureau said.
In its 11 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Fabian was located 1,065 kilometers east-northeast of extreme northern Luzon as of 10 p.m. with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 115 kph, and central pressure of 985 hectoPascals (hPa).
However, the agency said Fabian is “unlikely” to usher in heavy rainfall nationwide throughout its forecast period.
Still, PAGASA warned of monsoon rains in the next 24 hours over Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan under the combined influence of Fabian and the southwest monsoon.
Meanwhile, residents and disaster managers in Batanes and Babuyan Islands are enjoined to monitor tropical cyclone bulletins. This is because “any further southward shift in the orientation of the track forecast may result in the hoisting of (Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal) #1 over these areas,” said PAGASA.
Moderate to rough seas are likewise expected over Palawan and Occidental Mindoro’s western seaboard, it added, advising seacrafts to exercise precautionary measures while headed to sea.
Fabian may reach typhoon category by Wednesday afternoon or evening, the agency also said. However, it is also seen to exit Philippine territory by Thursday evening or Friday morning.
