Dante intensifies into tropical storm

April 26, 2017

Tropical depression Dante intensified into a tropical storm upon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration. Benison Estareja, PAGASA forecaster, said Dante entered the country’s area of responsibility at 8 am. It was spotted at 1,170 km east of Virac, Catanduanes. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph with gusts of 80 kph. Dante is moving northwest at 11 kph and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, he said, Estreja said Dante is not expected to have any effect on the country’s weather. Dante is the first tropical storm for 2017 and the fourth weather disturbance for the year. It is the second storm recorded this month. Alana Ambi/DMS