Severe tropical storm Tino enters PAR, expected to become typhoon

Severe tropical storm Kalmaegi, locally named Tino, has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility as the 20th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

Signal No. 1 is currently hoisted over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands in Surigao del Norte.

Tino is expected to strengthen rapidly to typhoon strength before making landfall in Eastern Visayas or Caraga between late Monday and early Tuesday.

The weather disturbance is projected to bring maximum wind intensity of up to 155 kph.

Tino, combined with a prevailing shear line, will bring widespread heavy to torrential rains over large parts of the Visayas and Mindanao through midweek, with heaviest downpours over Eastern and Central Visayas.

Rainfall ranging from 50 to 200 millimeters is expected from Sunday through Wednesday afternoon.

After crossing the Visayas and northern Palawan, Tino is expected to move over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning or afternoon.