'Gorio' now a tropical storm

Tropical cyclone "Gorio" has intensified into a storm and slightly slowed down, spawning more rains over a large part of Luzon and Visayas that may last until the weekend, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The storm will enhance the southwest monsoon, or "habagat", which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over the western section of Luzon and light to moderate rains over the rest of Luzon and the Visayas.

The weather bureau said in its 11 a.m. update that Gorio brings maximum sustained winds of 65 kph with gusts of up to 80 kph as of 10 a.m.

The tropical storm is expected to be at 595 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on Thursday morning and 425 km east of Basco, Batanes on Friday morning.

Classes in all levels have also been suspended in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Valenzuela City Polytechnic College.

Quezon City information officer Ares Gutierrez said classes up to senior high in public and private schools are suspended in the city.

Classes from pre-school to senior high school are also suspended in Our Lady of Fatima University Valenzuela.