Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Downgraded as Emong Moves Away
MANILA, Philippines — The Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over Batanes and nearby islands has been reduced to Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm Emong steadily moves away from the Philippines, local authorities said Friday evening. The tropical cyclone wind signal change brings some relief to residents but vigilance remains crucial.
According to the latest bulletin from meteorological sources, Emong was last located 195 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes. It is advancing north-northeast at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour (kph), maintaining maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near its center, with gusts reaching up to 105 kph.
Current Weather Signals and Forecast
Signal No. 1 is currently in effect over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern part of mainland Cagayan. Meteorologists project that Emong will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday morning and will weaken gradually into a low-pressure area by Sunday.
“Emong will accelerate north-northeast and leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow (26 July) morning,” meteorological experts said. They added, “The storm will continue to weaken due to less favorable environmental conditions and will likely degenerate into a remnant low by tomorrow evening upon entering the East China Sea.” They also noted that a faster weakening trend cannot be ruled out.
Other Weather Systems and Warnings
Currently, Emong and the southwest monsoon are the only significant weather systems affecting the country. Tropical Depression Dante (international name Francisco) has already exited the PAR, while Tropical Storm Krosa remains outside the area but is under close watch for possible entry.
From Saturday through Sunday, the southwest monsoon will bring strong to gale-force gusts to several regions, including:
- Batanes
- Babuyan Islands
- Ilocos Region
- Cordillera Administrative Region
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Quirino
- Aurora
- Zambales
- Bataan
- Rizal
- Quezon
- Cavite
- Batangas
- Occidental Mindoro
- Oriental Mindoro
- Palawan
- Romblon
- Bicol Region
- Western Visayas
- Northern Samar
- Negros Occidental
Sea and Coastal Conditions
A gale warning remains in effect along the entire northern Luzon seaboard. Waves could reach up to 5.5 meters along the coastlines of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern seaboard of mainland Cagayan. Meanwhile, waves up to 4.5 meters are expected along the rest of Cagayan and the seaboard of Isabela.
Residents and local authorities are advised to stay alert and monitor updates as the weather conditions evolve.
For more news and updates on tropical cyclones, visit Filipinokami.com.
