Manila, July 24 -- Tropical cyclone Emong has intensified into a severe tropical storm, the weather bureau said Thursday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 a.m. bulletin that Emong packs maximum sustained winds of 110 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 135 kph.

As of 4 a.m., the cyclone was located 245 km. west of Bacnotan, La Union.

Storm-force winds will prevail in areas under Signal No. 3: the northern portion of Pangasinan (Anda, Bolinao, and Bani) and the western portion of La Union (Luna, Balaoan, Bacnotan, San Juan, City of San Fernando, Bauang, and Caba).

Gale-force winds will be experienced in areas under Signal No. 2: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the...