'Kristine' now a tropical storm

MANILA, Philippines — Cyclone Kristine reached the tropical storm category on Tuesday morning, October 22, state weather bureau PAGASA reported.

In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, Kristine was spotted 390 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes.

Kristine’s peak winds increased to 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts to 80 kph as it moved west northwest at 15 kph. 

The following areas are under tropical cyclone wind signals:

Luzon

Visayas

Mindanao

Winds between 39 and 61 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours.

Residents of areas under Signal No. 1 could experience minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.

The highest wind alert that may be issued is Signal No. 4.

PAGASA issued a warning for strong to gale-force gusts due to Tropical Storm.

The following areas will be particularly affected by the strong winds:

PAGASA warned mariners of hazardous sea conditions and risky travel for small vessels, including motorbancas in the following areas:

Kristine is expected to move northwest until Thursday before turning west. It is set to make landfall in Isabela Wednesday evening and could exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday. Kristine likely to remain a tropical storm for the next 24 hours but may strengthen into a severe tropical storm by Wednesday.

The tropical cyclone may reach typhoon status by Friday as it enters the West Philippine Sea, with rapid intensification possible due to favorable atmospheric conditions.