Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Levels Raised in Luzon
The state weather bureau has raised the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 over four areas in Luzon as Typhoon Emong holds its strength. The storm remains nearly stationary over the sea west of Pangasinan, local sources said on Thursday.
According to the 2 p.m. weather bulletin, TCWS No. 3 covers the northern part of Pangasinan, western La Union, western Ilocos Sur, and western Abra. Meanwhile, TCWS No. 2 and No. 1 cover neighboring provinces, signaling varying wind intensities across Luzon.
Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3
TCWS No. 3 applies to the northern portion of Pangasinan including Anda, Bolinao, and Bani. It also covers the western part of La Union—Luna, Balaoan, Bacnotan, San Juan, City of San Fernando, Bauang, Caba, and Bangar. The western portion of Ilocos Sur has multiple towns under the same signal level, such as San Esteban, Santiago, City of Candon, Santa Lucia, and others. Western Abra including San Quintin and Langiden is also included.
Expanded Coverage of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 and No. 1
TCWS No. 2 applies to Ilocos Norte, the remaining parts of Ilocos Sur and La Union, central Pangasinan, and several Cordillera provinces. It also covers the Babuyan Islands and the northern and western parts of mainland Cagayan.
Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 covers Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, parts of Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, northern and central Zambales, Tarlac, and central parts of Nueva Ecija.
Typhoon Emong’s Current Status and Forecast
Emong was last tracked approximately 175 kilometers west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan. It maintains maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 150 kph. The typhoon is almost stationary but is beginning to shift northeastward toward the coastal waters of Pangasinan.
Sources said Emong is expected to accelerate northeastward by Thursday evening, possibly making landfall in La Union, Ilocos Sur, or Ilocos Norte by Friday morning. “A close approach over northwestern Pangasinan between this evening and tomorrow early morning prior to landfall further north is not ruled out,” officials noted.
After crossing the mountainous terrain of northwestern Luzon, Emong will speed up northeastward over the Luzon Strait and Philippine Sea, east of Taiwan. Between noon and evening tomorrow, it may pass near or make landfall over Babuyan Islands and Batanes.
Potential Intensification and Impact
The weather bureau highlighted that Emong might briefly intensify before landfall due to favorable atmospheric and ocean conditions. However, “a slight weakening before landfall from increased interaction with the terrain of northwestern Luzon is possible,” they added.
Regardless, Emong’s passage will initiate a weakening trend expected to last throughout the forecast period. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert and prepare accordingly.
For more news and updates on typhoon Emong, visit Filipinokami.com.
