MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm "Chedeng" maintained its strength Monday and continued to head for Luzon, state weather forecasters said.
In an 11 p.m. tropical cyclone update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical, and Services Administration (PAGASA) said the storm was last spotted 640 kilometers east of Borongan, Eastern Samar.
Chedeng is now packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph, as it moves west northwest at 17 kph.
A PAGASA forecast map predicts that it will make landfall in Northern Luzon on Wednesday night. Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul said Chedeng may develop into a typhoon while public storm signals could be raised in the next 2 days.
The weather bureau, which has yet to raise public storm warning signals, said Chedeng will enhance the southwest monsoon and will also bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao.
Disaster management officials have reminded fishermen to refrain from venturing out to sea.
In Metro Manila, aviation authorities are also on alert for the storm.
"Naka-alert na kami, ngayon pa lang...pero hindi nating maiiwasan na baka ma-divert ang ilang eroplano sa Clark," said Jose Angel Honrado, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority.
Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul said Chedeng may develop into a typhoon while public storm signals could be raised in the next 2 days.
Chedeng is the 2nd weather disturbance to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this month and at least 18 more are expected to hit the country this year. - With a report from ANC
