'Enteng' intensifies into severe tropical storm

MANILA – Weather disturbance Enteng has intensified into severe tropical storm, now packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph, the weather bureau said Tuesday.

In its 5 p.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Enteng was last tracked 165 km. west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Strong winds will prevail in areas under tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the northern portion of La Union (Luna, Santol, San Juan, Bagulin, Bangar, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, Sudipen, Balaoan, City of San Fernando), and Abra.

Gale force gusts due to the enhanced southwest monsoon were also forecast on Tuesday in the following areas: Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Island, and Northern Samar.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall was forecast in Ilocos Region and Abra, but the weather bureau said the enhanced southwest monsoon would also cause moderate to intense rainfall in other areas of Luzon, especially along the western portion, over the next three days.

Gale warning is in effect over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon. Sea travel is risky for small seacraft, including all types of motor bancas.

Moderate to rough seas are expected over the remaining seaboards of Northern Luzon outside areas under gale warning, and the western seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon.

Mariners of small seacraft, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels, PAGASA said.

Enteng is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.

Ahead of its exit, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla reported that as of Tuesday, all dams managed by the National Power Corporation in Luzon "have ceased spilling operations" and are in normal operations.

Lotilla added that four dams in Mindanao "have ongoing normal discharge operations".

There was no spilling level reported for Binga and Ambulao dams on Tuesday. (PNA)