MANILA (UPDATED) - State weather bureau PAGASA on Thursday said weather disturbance "Gorio" has intensified into a severe tropical storm.

In its 11 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said Gorio has maximum sustained winds of up to 90 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.

As of 10 p.m., Gorio was spotted at 555 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 has been raised in Batanes. Light to medium damage is expected to high-risk structures, PAGASA said.

Gorio is forecast to move northwest at 15 kph and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Sunday evening.

PAGASA added that the tropical storm would continue to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat (italicize) and may bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over Luzon, including Metro Manila, and Western Visayas.

Coastal waters over western Luzon will be moderate to rough, with a wave height of 1.25 to 4 meters which are dangerous to small sea vessels.

Meanwhile, a tropical depression has been sighted at the West Philippine Sea, estimated at 380 km west northwest of Sinait, Ilocos Sur outside PAR.

Malacañang on Thursday suspended work in all government offices in Metro Manila effective 1 p.m. due to flooding in several cities.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said classes in all levels in public schools have also been suspended while private schools may suspend classes at their discretion.

Visit the ABS-CBN Weather Center for the latest weather updates.