TROPICAL cyclone Verbena continued to intensify overnight, strengthening into a tropical storm and nearing severe tropical storm status, state weather bureau reported early Wednesday.
In its 5 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Verbena now carries maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gusts reaching 105 kph. The storm was last spotted 130 km west of Coron, Palawan, moving west-northwest at 25 kph.
Signal No. 2 remains raised over the Calamian Islands and the extreme northern part of mainland Palawan, including El Nido and Taytay, where gale-force winds are expected.
Signal No. 1 is up over Occidental Mindoro and the northern and central portions of Palawan—Dumaran, Roxas, San Vicente, and Puerto Princesa City—as well as the Cuyo and Kalayaan Islands, which will continue to experience strong winds.
Pagasa added that Verbena, combined with the northeast monsoon, will bring gusty conditions to much of Luzon, as well as Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Negros Occidental.
A gale warning also remains in effect for the seaboards of northern Luzon and the western seaboard of southern Luzon.
Verbena is expected to pass north of the Kalayaan Islands today and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday, according to Pagasa.
