Tropical Storm Verbena Intensifies as It Moves Away from the Philippines

Tropical Storm Verbena continued to gain strength this Wednesday, with meteorological authorities predicting its possible elevation to a Severe Tropical Storm status later in the day, despite its movement away from the Philippine mainland.

According to the 5 a.m. update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm’s center was located approximately 130 kilometers west of Coron, Palawan. Verbena is currently generating maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near its core, with gusts reaching up to 105 kph, advancing west-northwest at a speed of 25 kph.

Although the storm is tracking away from the country, strong winds continue to affect parts of Palawan. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains active over the Calamian Islands and the northernmost areas of mainland Palawan, including the municipalities of El Nido and Taytay, where gale-force winds are expected.

Additionally, Signal No. 1 is in place for Occidental Mindoro and various areas of Palawan, such as Dumaran, Roxas, San Vicente, Puerto Princesa City, as well as the Cuyo and Kalayaan Islands.

PAGASA has cautioned that the combined effects of Tropical Storm Verbena and the northeast monsoon, locally known as "amihan," will continue to produce gusty winds over a broad area of Luzon and other provinces including Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Negros Occidental. A gale warning also remains active for the northern Luzon seaboards and the western coasts of southern Luzon.

Forecasts indicate that Verbena will pass to the north of the Kalayaan Islands on Wednesday and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday.