Severe Tropical Storm ''Gorio'' is "unlikely to directly affect the country" until it leaves the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday night.

However, the state weather bureau noted that "in the event of a further southward shift in the forecast track, hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Extreme Northern Luzon is not ruled out."

''Gorio'' was last spotted at 1,045 km east of extreme Northern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 110 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph while moving west southwest at the speed of 20 kph.

Based on the track forecast, "Gorio may make landfall over the eastern coast of Taiwan on Wednesday (13 August) afternoon and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday evening".

''Gorio''may also "reach typhoon category prior to its landfall to Taiwan before weakening throughout the remaining forecast period." Robina Asido/DMS