MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression "Igme" has intensified into a tropical storm and continues to move west-northwest, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Thursday night.

In its 11 p.m. advisory, Pagasa said "Igme" was 870 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes as of 10 p.m. and that it was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Pagasa said "Igme" is still far and will not directly affect any part of the country, but will likely enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

"Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides," it said.

Pagasa said "Igme" was moving west-northwest at 7 kph and is due 730 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes by Friday evening.

By Saturday evening, it is expected to be 600 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes.

By Sunday evening, it is expected to be 490 km northeast of Basco, Batanes or at 250 km south-southwest of Okinawa, Japan. - GMANews.TV