MANILA, Philippines –"Kabayan" slightly strengthened and has intensified into a typhoon as it continued its northward movement at a speed of 11 kilometers per hour, the state weather bureau said Saturday.
In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the storm was spotted at 1,030 kilometers east northeast of Casiguran, Aurora.
Kabayan is packing winds of 120 kilometers per hour and gustiness of 150 kilometers per hour.
Science and Technology Undersecretary and PAGASA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Graciano Yumul earlier told radio dzMM that the storm is carrying 15- to 25-millimeter per hour rains, or 40% of rains dumped by typhoon "Ondoy" in 2009.
PAGASA said although Kabayan is too far to directly affect the country, rains will continue to pour over Bataan, Zambales, and Pangasinan.
This is because of the southwest monsoon that's being enhanced by Kabayan.
PAGASA said the weather disturbance will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday. -- Reports from ANC and radio dzMM