After making landfall in Casiguran, Aurora at around 1:00 AM today, Typhoon “Lando” remains almost stationary over the said area. As of 4:00 AM, it was located in the vicinity of Casiguran. Lando has slightly weakened, now with maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 210 kilometers per hour. It slowly moves west at 3 kilometers per hour.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, Lando may linger in the landmass until it exits through Cagayan by Wednesday or Thursday. Quitlong says the presence of the High Pressure Area in the north and the Typhoon “Champi” outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) continues to influence its movement, making it move slowly.
He clarifies that Lando could no longer intensify into a Super Typhoon due to its interaction with the land, where there is an inadequate amount of water vapor or moisture. However, all are still advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau.
As Lando continues to traverse our boundary, Public Storm Warning Signals are still up over most parts of Luzon.
Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Central Luzon and the provinces of Rizal and Quezon including Polillo Island should brace against stormy weather. Rains with gusty winds will prevail in the Ilocos Region, the rest of CALABARZON and the provinces of Marinduque, Camarines Norte and the northern part of Mindoro, including Lubang islands.
Meanwhile, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains will be experienced in Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and the rest of Luzon. The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.
Winds associated with Lando will trigger rough to very rough sea conditions in the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao. With wave height reaching up to 3.4 to 4.5 meters and wind force ranging from 52 to 68 kilometers per hour, sea travel is be risky for fishing boats and other small seacraft.
On the other hand, Typhoon Champi remains outside the PAR, at approximately 2,020 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora carrying winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 185 kilometers per hour. Quitlong says it has a slim chance of entering our boundary.
Tropical Storm Egay slightly intensified as it moved closer towards Northern Luzon. From a previous strength of 85 kph, it now packs 95 kph maximum sustained winds and gustiness of 120 kph. It slowed down to a speed of 9 kph in a northwest direction due to a high pressure area located southeast of Japan.
More areas are now placed under signal #2. These provinces will experience stormy weather with winds of 61 to 120kph within 24 hours. Meanwhile, expect rains with gusty winds over areas under signal #1:
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio, Egay is expected to make landfall tomorrow morning in the northern tip of Cagayan. Its second contact with land will be over the Batanes area by Sunday night or Monday morning. If it maintains its current speed and direction, Egay will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday afternoon.
Egay still has the possibility of intensifying in the following hours but has a slim chance of reaching typhoon category, he added.
Tropical Storm Egay is the first cyclone in the Philippines this July and the fifth this year. It has an international name of Linfa which means a Lotus, the city flower of Macau.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Chan Hom is expected to enter PAR by Wednesday or Thursday next week. If it does, it will be named Falcon and will further enhance the southwest monsoon or hanging habagat.
Despite the distance of Egay from the western side of the Philippines, moderate to heavy rains will still be experienced over Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Bicol Region due to the enhancement of the southwest monsoon. Light to moderate rains and thunderstorms can be expected over Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and the rest of Luzon. The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms tonight.
In related news, gale warning has been issued over the seaboards of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Northern Mindanao. Fishing boats and small seacraft are advised against venturing out into the sea due to strong to gale force winds and rough to very rough sea conditions.
PAGASA raised public storm warning signal #1 in Luzon and Visayas today as Typhoon Dodong continues to move closer to the Philippine landmass.
These areas will experience winds of up to 30 to 60 kph in at least a day and a half. Winds this strong may pose light damage to medium to low risk structures, and slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures.
State Meteorologist Alvin Pura added that Metro Manila may not be included in the signal warning this weekend unless Dodong’s track goes lower than expected.
The typhoon currently packs 150 kph maximum sustained winds near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph. Pura said though there is a possibility of further intensification in the following hours, Dodong will not reach Super Typhoon status. However, once it hits land, a decrease in wind strength is expected before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The cyclone also slowed down a bit this morning, still moving west northwest now at 17 kph.
In the current forecast track, Pura states that Dodong is expected to move nearer to Bicol Region within 24 hours. It will also skirt the eastern section of Central Luzon before making landfall over the Isabela-Cagayan area Sunday morning. If it maintains its current speed and direction, the typhoon is expected to exit PAR late Monday or early Tuesday.
As for the weather today, based on PAGASA’s latest weather forecast, the areas under Signal #1 will experience rains with gusty winds. On the other hand, a rainy weather condition will also be experienced in Central Visayas, the rest of Eastern Visayas, and over the regions of CARAGA, Davao and Northern Mindanao. The rest of the country including will Metro Manila can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorm in the following hours.
Meanwhile, areas in the northern Luzon area currently experiencing dry spell will benefit from the rains the typhoon will bring. However, once Dodong passes, the area will continue to experience high temperatures.
UPDATED AS OF 8:56AM (PST) — Originally 10 kph shy of being a Super Typhoon by PAGASA standards, Chedeng further weakened to tropical depression category this morning.
From the original 215 kph wind strength, it now packs only 55 kph near the center, allowing PAGASA to lower Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) except in the provinces of Isabela, Aurora, Quirino and Polillo Island, which are still under PSWS #1 today. These areas will have occasional rains with gusty winds within at least 36 hours.
Aside from being downgraded into a tropical depression, Chedeng also remained stationary. In fact, PAGASA states it is expected to remain almost stationary in the next 6 hours.
State Meteorologist Samuel Duran says as of 8 o’clock this morning, Chedeng has already made landfall in the vicinity of Dinapigue, Isable. With unfavorable conditions, now including land interaction, Chedeng has a high chance of weakening into a Low Pressure Area instead of hitting the land.
The constant factors of its continued weakening and becoming almost stationary include two High Pressure Areas north and west of the country, as well as a strong vertical wind shear. These made the cyclone unable to retain and gain moisture to sustain its strength and continue its projected track.
With this, the threat of storm surge is removed. However, gale warning is up over the northern seaboards of Luzon. and the eastern seaboards of Northern and Southern Luzon as Chedeng will still generate rough to very rough sea conditions. Fisherfolk, especially in small seacraft, are then advised not to venture out due to risky sea travel especially.
EASTER SUNDAY WEATHER
Today, areas under PSWS #1 will experience occasional rains and gusty winds due to Chedeng. The Bicol Region and Samar provinces can expect a rainy Sunday as Metro Manila and the remaining parts of the country may experience a fair weather condition.
Everyone is advised to bring umbrellas for sun protection and possible thunderstorms later in the day. Also, continue monitoring weather updates thru Panahon TV social media accounts.
Despite the cyclone’s weakening, PAGASA reminds the public to brace itself for the possible effects of Typhoon Chedeng this weekend.
At 4 PM today, the eye of the typhoon was estimated at 845 kms. east-southeast of Casiguran, Aurora. Packing winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph, Chedeng maintains its typhoon category. However, PAGASA claims it has a higher chance of further weakening as it moves closer to the archipelago. State Meteorologist Aldczar Aurelio says there is a possibility that Chedeng may be downgraded to tropical storm category before hitting the landmass.
One such factor of the typhoon’s weakening is the strong vertical wind shear or the wind strength along the cyclone. Aurelio likened it to a humming top or ‘trumpo’ where winds differ in the bottom and top areas of the cyclone. Chedeng may also weaken due to land interaction, especially in mountainous areas that may help break the cyclone’s wind formation.
In the latest run of the various weather forecasting models of the weather bureau, here’s what we can expect:
April 5 – Sunday
Morning: Chedeng to make landfall over the Aurora-Isabela area.
Evening: Chedeng to leave the landmass via Ilocos Sur.
April 6 – Monday
Morning: Chedeng to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Based on PAGASA’s latest weather bulletin, Public Storm Warning Signal number 1 is raised over Isabela, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Island, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.
These areas may still be experiencing good weather conditions now, but the effects of Chedeng may be felt in at least 36 hours, or in a day and a half.
PAGASA also mentions the possibility of hoisting the same warning signal over Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya and the Cordillera Administrative Region in the next 12 hours as Chedeng moves closer to Eastern Luzon.
In a press briefing held in PAGASA this afternoon, Aurelio explains that although the country is experiencing good weather today, rains with occasional gusty winds can be expected by late Saturday, escalating to stormy weather, particularly over the Central-Northern Luzon area come Sunday.
In the Greater Metro Manila Area, there is a poor chance of having a storm warning signal raised. However, expect occasional rains and gusty winds as Chedeng crosses the land. The remaining parts of the country, on the other hand, can expect warm and humid weather, Aurelio added.
As Chedeng threatens the country, officials remind the residents living in areas under signal #1 to be prepared against possible flash floods and landslides. Storm surges of up to 2 metes are also possible over the eastern coast of Aurora, Quezon and Isabela. Even fisherfolk over the eastern seaboard of Bicol Region and Visayas are advised against sea travel due to the rough to very rough sea conditions generated by Chedeng.
At 4:45 AM today, Tropical Storm Seniang made landfall over Sibonga, Cebu with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour. At 7:00 AM, it made another landfall over Guihulngan, Negros Oriental and at 8:00 AM, it was located in the vicinity of La Libertad, Negros Oriental.
Public Storm Warning Signals are still up over some areas of Visayas and Mindanao.
Stormy weather will be experienced over Central Visayas and the provinces of Negros Occidental and Guimaras. The rest of Western Visayas and the provinces of Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Camotes Island, Zamboanga del Norte and Camihuin will have rains with gusty winds.
Bicol Region and Samar provinces will be cloudy with moderate to heavy rain showers and thunderstorms. Residents are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides. Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and the rest of Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms, while the rest of Luzon will be cloudy with light rains.
Travel for small seacraft is risky in the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, Visayas and the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier, Seniang’s current intensity is capable of generating ocean waves that may reach up to 5 meters. Javier added that it is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday, January 2, 2015 if it maintains its speed and direction.
Free rides on Rizal Day
Today, December 30, marks the death anniversary of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. In line with this, LRT and MRT stations will be giving free rides for commuters. See image below for reference:
Prior to making landfall, Seniang intensified into Tropical Storm category this morning with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. The storm continues to move in a west-northwest direction at 11 kph.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz says Seniang hit Baranggay Bakulin in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at 3:45 am today. The storm will move towards Agusan del Norte before traversing Bohol Sea, he added.
As it continues to cross the archipelago, more provinces in Visayas and Mindanao are placed under Public Storm Warning Signals:
Areas under Signal #2 will experience stormy weather whereas rains with gusty winds will be felt over the provinces under signal #1. Residents living near low-lying and mountainous areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.
Meanwhile, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos Regions, as well as Central Luzon, can expect cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated light rains.
PAGASA has also released gale warnings over the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, where rough to very rough sea conditions are expected due to the surge of the northeast monsoon and tropical storm Seniang. The latest weather bulletin also shows the possibility of ocean waves reaching up to 5 meters, making sea travel very risky also in the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao.
Residents of Palawan will be experiencing a stormy new year. Loiz states if the storm maintains its current speed and direction, it will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by January 1 or 2.
Typhoon Haiyan,last year locally named Yolanda, which wreaked havoc in Eastern Visayas last year, remains to be the strongest typhoon, bearing maximum sustained winds of 235 kph. However, Typhoon Ruby now holds the title of being the longest-staying typhoon inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year.
State Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza says Ruby beats the 5-day record of Typhoon Henry back in July this year. Today is Ruby’s fifth day in PAR, and is now expected to exit our area of responsibility on Thursday morning instead of the earlier forecasted Tuesday.
The said typhoon further weakens as it continues to cross the archipelago, packing winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It is now traversing the Sibuyan Sea at a speed of 10 kph moving in a west northwest direction.
After hitting Dolores, Eastern Samar late Saturday and Masbate yesterday morning, Ruby is expected to make landfall in northern Mindoro tonight, between 6 to 8 in the evening. Residents living in the said province are advised against moderate to heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible storm surge generated by the typhoon.
Public Storm Warning Signals as of this morning:
Areas under Signals Number two and three will experience stormy weather. Occurrence of a storm surge 1 to 2 meters high is possible in the coastal areas.
The remaining areas of Luzon and Visayas not included in the warning signals can expect rainy weather. Mindanao will experience improved weather conditions although thunderstorm formation is still possible in the following hours.
Metro Manila, on the other hand, can expect to feel the effects of the typhoon once it makes landfall in Northern Mindoro tonight. Residents can expect moderate to occasional heavy rains as it is the closest distance the typhoon will be from the metro.
Meanwhile, Malacanang announces the suspension of work in government agencies in the National Capital Region and in Southern Luzon today. Offices whose work involves the delivery of health services and disaster response are exempted.
Typhoon Ruby weakens after making landfall at Dolores, Eastern Samar at 9:15 PM Saturday. It is expected to bring strong winds and heavy to torrential rainfall with a possible 3-meter storm surge over the vicinity of Masbate this morning.
PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar says in an interview this morning at Panahon TV, the typhoon is expected to be in Romblon tonight, moving towards Mindoro province by tomorrow.
Currently northwest of Catbalogan City in the province of Samar, Ruby packs winds of 160 kph with gustiness of up to 195 kph. The typhoon continues to move west northwest at 15 kph.
The typhoon weakens as it gets less moisture to sustain its strength inland,Escullar explains.
If it maintains current speed and direction, Ruby is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday morning.
In PAGASA’s latest weather bulletin, Public Storm Warning Signals are raised over the following areas:
Residents living along coastlines are advised on possible storm surges, which may reach up to 2 to 3 meters in areas under storm warning signals #2 and #3.
Typhoon Ruby and the northeast monsoon will also bring rough to very rough sea conditions over the seaboards of Luzon, Visayas and the northern seaboards of Mindanao.
Sea travel is dangerous due to big waves that may reach up to 5 meters, and strong to gale force winds generated by the mentioned weather systems.
In the following hours, stormy weather will be experienced over the provinces under storm signals 2 and 3, particularly in Visayas, Bicol Region, Calabarzon and the provinces of Romblon, Mindoro and Marinduque.