MANILA (July 24) – Typhoon Emong (international name: Co-May) has strengthened with sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts up to 150 kph, PAGASA reported Thursday. As of 1 p.m., it was located 175 km west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan and is nearly stationary.

Storm-force winds are expected in areas under Signal No. 3, including parts of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Abra. Signal No. 2 covers Ilocos Norte, the rest of Ilocos, La Union, Abra, and parts of Cagayan Valley and Cordillera. Signal No. 1 includes Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and nearby provinces.

Emong and Tropical Storm Dante (Francisco) are enhancing the southwest monsoon, bringing gusty winds and heavy rains across Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. Gale warnings remain in effect for western seaboards of Luzon.

Emong is expected to move northeast and may make landfall over La Union, Ilocos Sur, or Ilocos Norte by Friday morning.

Meanwhile, Dante is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility today without further strengthening. A new tropical depression also formed east of Luzon but is not forecast to affect the country.