Typhoon Emong Set for Second Landfall in Ilocos Region
Typhoon Emong is expected to make its second landfall early Friday morning in either Ilocos Sur or La Union. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 for several areas within these provinces, signaling the presence of very strong winds.
As of 5:00 a.m., Emong was located over the coastal waters of Banga, La Union. It is moving northeast at 20 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts reaching up to 165 kph, sources said. The typhoon had earlier made landfall on Thursday evening near Agno, Pangasinan.
Tracking Typhoon Emong’s Path and Strength
Officials explained that Emong may retain its strength as it approaches its second landfall. However, a slight weakening due to interaction with the rugged terrain of northwestern Luzon cannot be ruled out. After touching down again, the typhoon will cross Northern Luzon’s mountainous areas before emerging over the Babuyan Channel later in the morning.
From there, Emong will continue northeastward, likely passing near or over the Babuyan Islands by afternoon, and possibly close to Batanes by evening. This movement will trigger a weakening trend expected to persist for the remainder of the forecast period, local authorities noted.
Warnings for Rough Seas and Maritime Safety
Pagasa issued warnings for rough sea conditions, particularly on the western coasts of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, where waves could reach up to 14 meters. Mariners are strongly advised to avoid venturing out to sea. “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,” officials urged.
Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals
Signal No. 4 Areas
Regions expecting winds of 118 to 184 kph within 12 hours include southwestern Ilocos Sur (Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Tagudin, Alilem, Sugpon, Suyo) and northern to central La Union (Bangar, Luna, Balaoan, Bacnotan, San Juan, San Fernando City, Bauang, Sudipen, Santol, Caba, Aringay, San Gabriel, Bagulin, Naguilian, Burgos).
Signal No. 3 Areas
Winds ranging from 89 to 117 kph are forecasted in southern Ilocos Norte (including Laoag City and surrounding towns), the remaining parts of Ilocos Sur and La Union, western Apayao, Abra, western Kalinga, western Mountain Province, western Benguet, and northern Pangasinan.
Signal No. 2 and No. 1 Areas
Regions under Signal No. 2, expecting winds of 62 to 88 kph, include the rest of Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, northern Zambales, and several provinces across the Cordillera and Cagayan Valley. Signal No. 1 covers areas anticipating winds of 39 to 61 kph or intermittent rains within 36 hours, such as parts of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, and northern Bataan.
Heavy Rainfall and Coastal Hazards
Residents should prepare for heavy rains driven by Emong and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, which is expected to affect wide parts of Luzon. Authorities highlighted a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges with peak heights of 1 to 3 meters in low-lying coastal areas including Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and parts of Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and Zambales.
Sea Condition Outlook and Safety Measures
Gale warnings remain in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and parts of Central and Southern Luzon. Wave heights could reach up to 14 meters along the western coasts of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. Mariners of all vessel types are urged to stay in port or find safe harbor until conditions improve. Smaller boats, especially motorbancas, are advised not to venture out due to dangerous sea states.
Summary of Typhoon Emong’s Current Status
The center of Typhoon Emong is currently estimated near the coastal waters of Bangar, La Union (16.9°N, 120.3°E). It moves northeast at 20 kph with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts up to 165 kph. The typhoon’s path and intensity remain closely monitored as it affects multiple provinces.
For more news and updates on Typhoon Emong, visit Filipinokami.com.
