Fast moving Egay gains strength, nears Bicol

(UPDATE) Naga City (July 18, 2011 7:43 A.M.) - While still within Tropical Depression status on the Saffir-Simpson Tropical Cyclone Scale, Egay is approaching Tropical Storm strength as it approaches the coastal waters of the Bicol Region.

Egay now packs a center wind of 55 kilometers per hour with gustiness up to 75 kilometer per hour. It is now located at 3.3º North Latitude 126.2º East Longitude - or 195 kilometers East-Northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar; 215 kilometers East-Southeast of Virac,Catanduanes; 270 kilometers East of Legazpi City; 325 kilometers East-Southeast of Naga City.

Egay now moves Northwesterly at 22 kilometers per hour towards the coast of Bicol.

It is now expected to steadily intensify as moves in Nothwest to North-Northwesterly within the next 48 hours, passing to the Northeast of the Bicol Region - about 130 km East-Northeast of Pandan, Catanduanes - this afternoon at Tropical Storm strength. This shall be Egay's closest approach to Bicol.

Tomorrow afternoon (Sunday), Egay shall be off the coast of Cagayan, about 145 km ESE of Aparri, Cagayan with center wind estimated to reach 95 kilometers per hour.

On Monday morning, Egay traverse the Balintang Channel, about 75 kilometers Southwest of Basco, Batanes, as a Severe Tropical Storm with center wind of up to 100 kilometers per hour.

As yet, no forecast model has predicted that Egay shall make a landfall anywhere in the country.

Winds and rains associated with Egay's rainbands are now affecting the Bicol and Samar Provinces. Enhanced Southwest Monsoon shall bring more rains across the whole of Visayas & Palawan. (Vox Bikol)