Here's what you need to know about Severe Tropical Storm Gorio
The Philippines is dealing with its seventh typhoon this year, Severe Tropical Storm Gorio, but it's forecast not to affect the country.
In its tropical cyclone bulletin at 11 a.m., state weather bureau PAGASA said Gorio is unlikely to directly affect the country within the next three days, and no wind signal is in effect.
PAGASA, however, warned that hoisting tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 over extreme northern Luzon isn't ruled out "in the event of a further southward shift in the forecast track."
Gorio entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Aug. 10 and is forecast to move generally westward over the next 24 hours and then west northwestward, from tomorrow afternoon of Aug. 12 until Aug. 14, Thursday. It'd then move northwestward through the end of the forecast period.
Gorio may make landfall over the eastern coast of Taiwan on the afternoon of Aug. 13, Wednesday, and exit PAR by Wednesday evening.
PAGASA noted that Gorio may elevate to typhoon category within the next 12 hours before gradually weakening throughout the remaining forecast period.
The agency has five classifications for tropical cyclones based on maximum sustained winds. The higher they are, the more intense and potentially damaging the typhoon becomes.
- tropical depression – has maximum sustained winds of up to 62 kilometers per hour or less than 34 knots
- tropical storm – has a maximum wind speed of 62 to 88 kph or 34 to 47 knots.
- severe tropical storm – has a maximum wind speed of 87 to 117 kph or 48 to 63 knots
- typhoon – has a maximum wind speed of 118 to 184 kph or 64 to 99 knots
- super typhoon – has a maximum wind speed exceeding 185 kph or more than 100 knots
Nevertheless, PAGASA said Gorio will bring up to moderate seas of up to two meters over the coastal waters of extreme northern Luzon.
It reminded mariners of motor bancas and similarly sized vessels to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels.
The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually.
The country's rainy season officially started in June.
