A tropical storm that was barreling towards northern Sabah, and which was forecast to reach the flood-ravaged East Coast on Saturday with 55kph winds, has changed path.

Tropical Storm 'Jangmi', which yesterday packed winds of up to 74kph, has weakened after crossing from the southern Philippines into the Sulu Sea, slowing down to 46kph.

A prediction of the storm's path now shows that it will likely dissipate tomorrow, some 300km north-east of Sandakan.

Meteorological Department chief Che Gayah Ismail, when contacted, confirmed that the storm will not hit Sabah.

“No, no... it will only cause high waves and strong winds,” she told Malaysiakini .

Following observations as of 11am today, the Meteorological Department said the storm could generate waves of up to 3.5 metres off the waters of Sabah (Sandakan, Kudat, West Coast and Interior), Labuan and Sarawak.

Despite the storm not reaching Sabah, the department has issued an orange alert for heavy rains in the state.

It said there will be intermittent rain occasionally moderate occurring over state Kudat, West Coast, the Interior, Sandakan and Labuan until tomorrow.

Jangmi is now classified as a tropical depression but is still dangerous to small craft, recreational sea activities and sea sports.

The storm had killed at least 31 people in the Phillipines, after triggering landslides and severe flooding.

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