Although outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the severe tropical storm with international name “Danas” (formerly “Bising”) continues to enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” bringing rains across Luzon and parts of Visayas and Mindanao, the state weather bureau said.

In its 4:00 a.m. public forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) stated that the trough or extension of “Danas” is currently affecting extreme northern Luzon, particularly Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, which are experiencing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.

“Danas” was located 400 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes as of 3:00 a.m.

It carries maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 135 kilometers per hour. It is moving north-northeastward slowly and remains outside PAR.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is feeling the effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Pagasa reported occasional rains over Ilocos Region, Zambales, and Bataan, and scattered rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro, and parts of Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.

The weather bureau warned that rains may be “moderate to at times heavy,” which could lead to possible flash floods or landslides. (PNA)