MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains expected in Luzon until Saturday as Tropical Storm Crising (international name: Wipha) moves northward, heading out of the Philippine area of responsibility, local sources said Friday evening.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported at 11:00 p.m. that Crising was last tracked over the coastal waters of Calayan, Cagayan. It maintained maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) with gusts reaching up to 105 kph, moving northwest at 15 kph.
Heavy Rains Expected in Luzon Until Saturday
Despite moving away from the country, Pagasa forecasted that over 200 millimeters (mm) of rainfall will still drench parts of Northern Luzon, including Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, until Saturday evening. Authorities warned this could lead to severe flooding and landslides in these areas.
Meanwhile, rainfall between 100 to 200 mm is expected over Batanes, Isabela, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, La Union, and Pangasinan. This amount may cause flooding, especially in urban, low-lying, and river-adjacent zones, while landslides remain a significant risk in susceptible mountainous regions.
Lower rainfall amounts of 50 to 100 mm are anticipated in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino, with localized flooding and landslides possible in highly vulnerable spots. “Forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas. Moreover, impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall,” officials reminded.
Southwest Monsoon Also Brings Rain
The southwest monsoon, locally called “habagat,” is also expected to contribute 100 to 200 mm of rain over Zambales, Bataan, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and Negros Occidental through Saturday evening. This will add to the already wet conditions in the region.
Meanwhile, between 50 to 100 mm of rain are forecasted in Metro Manila, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental. Flooding and landslides remain possible in vulnerable locations.
Residents in affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions and stay updated with official announcements to ensure safety amid the ongoing weather disturbances.
For more news and updates on heavy rains, visit Filipinokami.com.
