MANILA, Philippines - Salome strengthened from a tropical depression into a tropical storm as it approached Batanes, the weather bureau said in its 2 am bulletin on Thursday, October 23.
Salome's maximum sustained winds increased from 55 kilometers per hour to 65 km/h, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Its gustiness is now up to 90 km/h from the previous 70 km/h.
As of 1 am, Salome was already over the coastal waters of Basco, Batanes, moving south southwest at 20 km/h. The tropical storm's movement continues to be influenced by a high pressure area over mainland China, forcing it downward.
Salome could make landfall in Batanes, or just pass close to the province, in the next 12 hours. During this period, it could be downgraded back to a tropical depression as well.
It may also pass close to or over Babuyan Islands by Thursday morning, and Ilocos Norte by Thursday noon or afternoon.
Since Salome is now a tropical storm, PAGASA raised Signal No. 2 as of 2 am. Here are the areas under tropical cyclone wind signals:
Gale-force winds (62 to 88 km/h), minor to moderate threat to life and property
Strong winds (39 to 61 km/h), minimal to minor threat to life and property
PAGASA added that the northeasterly windflow will bring strong to gale-force gusts to these areas:
Salome will also trigger heavy to intense rain (100-200 millimeters) in Batanes until Thursday evening, then moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm) from Thursday evening to Friday evening, October 24. Floods and landslides are possible.
Meanwhile, sea conditions are worsening as the tropical storm approaches.
Up to very rough seas (travel is risky for all vessels)
Up to rough seas (small vessels should not venture out to sea)
Up to moderate to rough seas (small vessels should take precautionary measures or avoid sailing, if possible)
La Niña is also underway in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which means the country may have above-normal rainfall in the coming months. - Rappler.com