'Butsoy' slows down but gains strength as it inches toward the Philippines

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

As it continues to inch closer to the Philippine coast, tropical storm "Butchoy" has slowed down a bit but continued to gain strength over the sea, prompting the state weather bureau to classify it as a "severe tropical storm."

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) sent data to InterAksyon showing that the storm continued its west northwest movement but now travels at 20 kilometers per hour from 24 kph some six hours ago. 

Meanwhile, in its 4 p.m. bulletin, Pagasa said "Butchoy" was last spotted 780kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar with maximum sustained wind of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph. 

Butchoy's deceleration allowed it to collect more strength over the sea and it now packs wind strength of 95 kph and gustiness of 120 kph near the center.

According to Pagasa, Butchoy still has a long way to go before it reaches typhoon status. A typhoon has wind strength of 118 kph and above. 

It will still not make landfall but its strength will pull the southwest monsoon or Habagat, which will bring more rains in the western section of the country for at least three days. 

By itself, Butchoy will bring 15-25 millimeters of rains per hour, which is categorized as heavy rain. But since it will pull the Habagat, the rains may increase further.

Based on TV5's Metra Weather System, Luzon and Visayas will experience very heavy rains on Saturday, when Butchoy is nearest to the land. The rains won't cease till Tuesday and may cover most parts of northern and eastern Luzon. InterAksyon.com

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