A tropical storm approaching from the east entered Philippine territory before noon Thursday, with state weather forecasters locally codenaming it "Butchoy."
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) head Nathaniel Servando said Butchoy is still too far to affect any part of the country.
"Napaaga ang pagpasok ni Butchoy. Ito ay bumilis ('Butchoy' accelerated and entered the country earlier than we expected)," Servando said in an interview on dzBB radio.
But he said that while Butchoy, initially expected to enter Philippine territory Thursday afternoon or evening, is still too far to directly affect any part of the country, fishermen and small sea craft at the eastern seaboard should not set sail.
"Kung pwede, sa silangang bahagi ng bansa, kung pwede ay huwag nang pumalaot (Those in the eastern part of the country are advised not to venture out to sea)," he said.
PAGASA's 5 a.m. bulletin had indicated Butchoy packed maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph.
Earlier, PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier said the storm may veer to the north instead of making landfall.
"Sa ngayon dahil malayo pa ito wala pang storm signal nai-raise sa anumang parte ng bansa," he added. Servando said Butchoy is likely to affect the eastern part of Luzon, but will also enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring rain over the western Luzon and Visayas.
Also, he said Butchoy may stay in Philippine territory during the weekend. "Patuloy tomorrow hanggang weekend inaasahan natin maulan sa Metro Manila dahil sa habagat (Until the weekend Metro Manila can expect rain due to the southwest monsoon)," he said.