InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has said typhoon "Butchoy" (international name Guchol) maintained its strength while moving toward Japan and is expected to be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday evening or Tuesday morning.
Weather forecaster Samuel Duran said that as of 4:00 p.m. Sunday, the eye of "Butchoy" was located based on satellite and surface data at 550 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan (18.7°N, 127.4°E) with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 220 kph. It is moving northward at 22 kph.
He added that "Butchoy" is expected to be out of PAR by Monday evening or Tuesday morning.
Duran also said that rains are expected over most parts of the country as the southwest monsoon continues to affect Luzon.
PAGASA said "Butchoy" brought heavy rainfall of from 15 to 25 millimeters per hour within its 500-km diameter.
The weather agency said that the cyclone is expected to be 500 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes on Monday morning. On Tuesday morning, it is forecast to be 1,020 km northeast of Basco, Batanes or 280 km east-northeast of Okinawa, Japan.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said strong-to-gale force wind is expected to affect the seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas.
Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.
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