MANILA – Tropical Storm (TS) “Emong” has slightly intensified as it continued to move southwestward over the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Emong was located 235 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, moving southwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph). It packed maximum sustained winds of 85 kph and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is in effect over the northwestern portion of Pangasinan, covering the municipalities of Bolinao, Bani, Agno, and Burgos.

Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 is raised over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the central and remaining northwestern parts of Pangasinan, the northern portion of Zambales, and several areas in Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ifugao, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya.

PAGASA said areas under TCWS No. 2 may experience minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds, while those under TCWS No. 1 may see minimal to minor impacts from strong winds.

“The highest Wind Signal which may be hoisted during the occurrence of Emong is Wind Signal No. 4,” the weather bureau added.

Emong is expected to move generally southwestward before looping over the West Philippine Sea on Thursday due to its interaction with Tropical Storm “Dante.” PAGASA said Emong may make landfall over the Ilocos Region and pass close to the Babuyan Islands.

“Emong may reach severe tropical storm category tomorrow morning. Further intensification into typhoon before its landfall is not ruled out,” it said.

As of the latest update, TS Dante was located 810 kilometers east northeast of extreme northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility Thursday afternoon or evening.

The southwest monsoon (habagat) enhanced by Emong and Dante will bring heavy rainfall over Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Mimaropa, Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, and Davao Oriental. (PNA)