Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Raised in Luzon
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been issued for 17 areas in Luzon as Tropical Depression Isang made landfall over Casiguran, Aurora, officials reported. The state weather bureau confirmed the alert in its 11 a.m. bulletin, signaling heightened vigilance amid the storm’s approach.
The tropical cyclone wind signal affects provinces including Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and northern and central parts of Aurora and Nueva Ecija.
Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1
- Batanes
- Cagayan
- Isabela
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Apayao
- Kalinga
- Abra
- Mountain Province
- Ifugao
- Benguet
- Ilocos Norte
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Northern and central Aurora (Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dilasag, Baler, Maria Aurora, Dipaculao, San Luis)
- Northern Nueva Ecija (Lupao, Carranglan, Pantabangan, San Jose City)
Southwest Monsoon Intensified by Isang
Community members noted that Isang is strengthening the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, which will bring strong to gale-force winds especially in coastal and upland areas. These gusts are expected to affect Metro Manila, Aurora (outside the wind signal areas), Zambales, Bataan, Calabarzon provinces, Mimaropa region, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Burias Island, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin.
Storm Characteristics and Forecast
Officials reported that Isang currently has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 90 kph. It is moving westward at 15 kph.
The tropical depression is forecast to continue westward, crossing northern Luzon within 12 hours before entering the West Philippine Sea by Friday evening. It is expected to intensify into a tropical storm on Friday morning and may develop into a severe tropical storm while nearing waters south of Hainan, China.
“However, intensification into a tropical storm at a much earlier time (e.g., several hours after emerging over the West Philippine Sea) is not ruled out,” meteorological experts said.
Expected Exit from Philippine Area of Responsibility
Local leaders noted that Isang is projected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning or afternoon, allowing conditions to gradually improve in affected areas.
Residents in the impacted regions are urged to stay updated on weather advisories and prepare for possible heavy rains and strong winds resulting from the tropical cyclone wind signal and enhanced monsoon.
For more news and updates on tropical cyclone wind signal, visit Filipinokami.com.
