PAGASA: 'Jenny' could become Severe Tropical Storm by Sunday

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30) — Tropical Storm Jenny (international name: Koinu) could strengthen into a Severe Tropical Storm by tomorrow, with wind signals possibly raised over Extreme Northern Luzon by Sunday or Monday, state meteorologists said Saturday.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Jenny slightly intensified as it moved northwestward over the Philippine Sea, and was forecast to further strengthen.

The weather bureau said Jenny may also reach typhoon category on Monday or Tuesday.

PAGASA said the current forecast scenario for Jenny shows the possibility of raising Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals over extreme northern Luzon on Sunday or Monday, warning that "the hoisting may happen earlier should there be changes in the forecast scenario."

It added a landfall or close approach scenario over extreme northern Luzon or northeastern mainland Cagayan is not ruled out.

Currently, the weather bureau said the storm is not directly affecting the country, but it is expected to dump heavy rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Jenny is also seen to enhance the southwest monsoon, or habagat, which would bring occasional rains over the western portions of Southern Luzon and the Visayas on Sunday.

Strong bursts of winds may also be experienced in Palawan, Romblon, most of the Visayas, and Dinagat Islands by Sunday.

Jenny was last spotted 915 kilometers east of Central Luzon with maximum winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 90 kph. It is moving northwestward at 15 kph.

Jenny is the 10th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year, and the second this month after Ineng.