Tropical storm "Karen" over the east Philippine sea has intensified

At 10:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Storm "Karen" was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 620 km East of Borongan, Eastern Samar (12.8 °N, 131.6 °E).

Maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph.

Forecast to move Northwest at 15 kph.

Tropical Storm "KAREN" is expected to be at 770 km East of Infanta, Quezon tomorrow morning and at 620 km East of Tuguegarao, City by Friday morning. By Saturday morning, it is expected to be at 500 km East of Itbayat, Batanes.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 10 – 20 mm per hour (heavy) within the 550 km diameter of the Tropical Storm.

Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboard of Visayas and Mindanao due to Tropical Storm "Karen".

Meanwhile, the low pressure area was estimated at 250 km West of Zambales (15.4°N, 117.3°E). - PAGASA — ARA