Severe Tropical Storm Emong Approaches Ilocos Region
Severe Tropical Storm Emong may intensify into a typhoon before it makes landfall across the Ilocos Region on Thursday night or early Friday morning, sources said. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Emong remains a serious threat as it nears northern Luzon.
As of the 8 a.m. bulletin on Thursday, Emong was located approximately 245 kilometers west of Bacnotan, La Union. The storm is expected to move southeastward initially before curving north-northeastward within the next 24 hours. This movement pattern could bring Emong closer to the Ilocos Region soon.
Projected Path and Intensification
On its forecasted track, Emong may pass near Pangasinan by this afternoon and is likely to make landfall over the Ilocos Region late Thursday or early Friday. Officials warned that Emong might strengthen into a typhoon before touching land. After crossing Northern Luzon, the storm’s center is expected to re-emerge over the Luzon Strait, possibly moving near the Babuyan Islands.
Wind Signals Raised Across Northern Luzon
Due to the storm’s intensity and path, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 has been raised in parts of northern Pangasinan and western La Union. Areas under this highest warning include Anda, Bolinao, and Bani in Pangasinan, as well as towns like Luna, Balaoan, Bacnotan, San Juan, and the City of San Fernando in La Union.
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 2 covers the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the remaining areas of La Union, and several Cordillera Administrative Region provinces such as Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Benguet. Central Pangasinan and parts of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya are also included in this category.
TCWS No. 1 has been declared in Batanes, the rest of Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, western and central Isabela, and other provinces extending to parts of Zambales, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.
Preparedness and Safety Measures
Authorities continue to monitor Emong closely and urge residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders if necessary. Local leaders noted the importance of preparedness given the storm’s possible intensification and unpredictable path.
Communities are reminded to secure properties, stock up on essentials, and avoid unnecessary travel while the storm approaches. Emergency response teams remain on standby to assist vulnerable populations and ensure public safety.
For more news and updates on Severe Tropical Storm Emong, visit Filipinokami.com.
