Domeng Intensifies Into Tropical Storm, Speeds Up

Bringing monsoon rains in parts of Luzon.

by Pia Regalado

Photo/s: PAGASA

Tropical depression Domeng (Aere) on Friday intensified into a tropical storm, as it continued to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, bringing rains to parts of Luzon, PAGASA said. It is unlikely to hit land.

At 10 a.m., Domeng, the fourth storm of the year, was located at 940 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and 80 kph gusts, the weather bureau said.

Together with Severe Tropical Storm Chaba (formerly Caloy) off the Philippines' western coast, Domeng will stir the habagat, dumping monsoon rains over Kalayaan Islands and western parts of Central and Southern Luzon in the next 24 hours, said PAGASA.

READ: Habagat, Explained: Why They're Dangerous Like Typhoons

A gale warning remains in effect over the western seaboards of Luzon as the storms stir rough seas, which could be risky for mariners using small seacrafts, PAGASA said.

Domeng will continue to move northwestward and may exit the Philippines by Saturday morning or afternoon. It is forecast to further intensify outside the Philippine area of responsibility, said PAGASA.

Continue reading below ↓