Update: Tropical Storm ‘Henry’ Now Inside PAR

Manila (PNA) — Tropical storm with international name “Matmo” has already enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday morning and was named “Henry” — the eighth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year and the third for this month of July, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical ad Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Every year, an average of about 18 to 20 storms affect the Philippines, according to the PAGASA.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar said that as of 7 a.m. Friday, tropical storm “Henry” was spotted 890 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (10.7°N, 134.9°E) packed with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Escullar said the tropical storm which is expected to enter country on Saturday has entered PAR much earlier due to two weather disturbances affecting the movement of the tropical cyclone.

“Nawala yung isang weather distubance kaya gumaan at nakagalaw yung tropical storm at nakapasok na sa PAR around 6 a.m.,” Escullar told the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

However, she said despite the entry of “Henry” it will not yet affect any part of the country until Saturday.

It is not expected to make a landfall in any part of the country but will enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rains.

She said starting Sunday, once tropical storm “Henry” begins to enhance the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” it will induce rains over Mindanao.

On Monday, rains will be experienced in parts of Visayas and by Tuesday in Luzon and by Wednesday it will also bring rains over Metro Manila.

The southwest monsoon is the prevailing weather system inthe country from June to early October or during rainy season.

She added “Henry” is moving north-northwest at 7 kph.

If the tropical storm maintains its speed and movement, is expected to be at 800 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar by Saturday morning and at 860 km east of Casiguran, Aurora by Sunday morning.

By Monday morning, it is expected to be at 600 km east of Basco, Batanes.

PAGASA also said the estimated rainfall amount is from 7.5 to 15 mm per hour (moderate-heavy) within the 400 km diameter of the tropical storm.

The state weather bureau issued a gale warning as strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of the southwest monsoon which would affect the western seaboard of Luzon.

“Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” PAGASA warned. (PNA) JBP/CLTC