Int'l weather agencies: Cyclone heading toward PHL now a storm

A cyclone approaching Philippine territory has intensified into a tropical storm, international weather agencies said Saturday morning. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the cyclone, codenamed "Nesat," packs winds between 64 and 74 kph. "Nesat is expected to reach super-typhoon strength northeast of Luzon (but) the rugged terrain of northern Luzon will weaken (it) as it tracks over the northeastern tip of the island or through the Luzon strait," the JTWC added. But as of 11 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) maintained that the cyclone is still a depression, with winds of 55 kph. In its 9:10 a.m. (Manila time) update, the JMA said Nesat was moving west-northwest at 15 kph, with maximum winds of 35 knots (64 kph) near the center. The JMA forecast Nesat to intensify further from Sunday to Tuesday. For its part, the JTWC's update indicated Nesat had maximum winds of 40 knots (74 kph). Earlier, PAGASA said the cyclone will be named "Pedring" once it enters Philippine territory. — LBG, GMA News