No tropical cyclone wind signals have been raised as of yesterday, but Tropical Depression “Crising” may intensify into a Tropical Storm by Thursday morning, July 17, according to Pagasa.

Pagasa also said that “Crising” may even become a severe tropical storm by Friday afternoon or evening, July 18, before it approaches Northern Luzon.

At 10:00 a.m. yesterday, the center of “Crising” was observed at 725 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

“Crising” is currently moving westward at 35 kph with strong winds extending outwards up to 280 kilometers from the center.

“Crising” is predicted to move west northwestward to northwestward over the next few days and may pass close to or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands by Friday.

Slight changes resulting to a landfall over mainland Cagayan is also possible.

Pagasa notes that “Crising’s” development into typhoon category “prior to approach is not ruled out.” (GMA Integrated News)