Tropical Storm Emong Nears Batanes with Strong Winds
Tropical Storm Emong has moved closer to Batanes province, which remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, according to the latest report from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Friday afternoon. Emong continues to pack powerful winds, posing risks to the northern Philippines.
As of 4:00 p.m. Friday, Emong was located over the coastal waters near Sabang, Batanes. The storm maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds reaching 85 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 115 kph. It is moving north-northeast at 40 kilometers per hour, steadily approaching the area.
Current Signals and Projected Path of Tropical Storm Emong
The weather bureau reported that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains in effect over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands. Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is still hoisted over Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and mainland Cagayan. Residents and local authorities in these regions are advised to stay alert and prepare for possible impacts.
Pagasa forecasts Emong to continue its northward movement and exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday morning. The storm is expected to weaken gradually due to increasingly unfavorable conditions, eventually dissipating into a low-pressure area.
“On the track forecast, Emong will accelerate north northeastward and exit the Philippine area of responsibility tomorrow (26 July) morning,” the agency said. It added, “Emong will continue to weaken throughout the forecast period due to increasing unfavorable environment. It will likely degenerate into a remnant low tomorrow evening while entering the East China Sea.”
Monsoon Rains and Warnings Amid Emong’s Approach
Despite Tropical Storm Emong’s weakening trend, the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, will continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts across several regions. These include the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Dinagat Islands on Friday.
The same weather conditions are expected to affect additional areas from Saturday to Sunday, namely 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, and Negros Occidental.
Authorities urge the public and disaster risk reduction offices to take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property. “Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” Pagasa emphasized. They also recommend monitoring local Pagasa Regional Services for updated advisories on heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Sea Travel Risks and Safety Advisories
A gale warning remains in place over the entire northern Luzon seaboard. Wave heights could reach up to 5.5 meters along the coasts of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northern mainland Cagayan. Other coastal areas in Cagayan and Isabela might experience waves up to 4.5 meters. Mariners are strongly advised to avoid sea travel.
“Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. All mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside,” sources said.
For more news and updates on Tropical Storm Emong, visit Filipinokami.com.
