‘Dodong’ weakens, heads towards Batanes

MANILA — Public storm warning signal has been lifted in some areas in Luzon, as Typhoon “Dodong” reduced strength as it moves towards Batanes group of Islands, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Mondday.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Shelley Ignacio said that as of 6 a.m., the eye of Typhoon Dodong was located based on all available data at vicinity of Basco, Batanes (20.4°N,122.0°E).

Ignacio said the maximum sustained winds of the typhoon has decreased to 160 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center from 185 kph while its gustiness also decreased to 190 kph from 220 kph.

Typhoon Dodong is moving north northwest at 19 kph.

With its current speed and movement, it will exit the PAR by Tuesday (May 12) headed towards Japan.

Ignacio said seven provinces in Luzon is still under public storm warning signals.

The provinces of Batanes, Babuyan and Calayan Group of Islands under Signal No. 3 (winds of 101-185 kilometers per hour expected in at least 18 hours).

The potential impacts of the winds under signal no. 3 were the following:
– Heavy damage to high–risk structures
– Moderate damage to medium- risk structures
– Light damage to low-risk structures
– Increasing damage (up to more than 50%) to old, dilapidated residential structures and houses of light materials. Majority of all nipa and cogon houses may be unroofed or destroyed
– Houses of medium strength materials (old, timber or mixed timber-CHB structures, usually with G.I. roofing’s); some warehouses or bodega-type structures are unroofed.
– There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services
– Almost all banana plants are downed.
– Some big trees (acacia, mango, etc.) are broken or uprooted,
– Dwarf-type or hybrid coconut trees are tilted or downed.
– Rice and corn crops may suffer heavy losses.
– Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off; some large trees blown down.

The provinces of Northern Cagayan is under signal no. 2 (Winds of 61-100 kilometers per hour expected in at least 24 hours).

The potential impacts of the winds under signal no.2 were the following:
– Light to Moderate damage to high risk structures;
– Very light to light damage to medium-risk structures
– No damage to very light damage to low risk structure
– Unshielded, old dilapidated schoolhouses, makeshift shanties, and other structures of light materials are partially damaged or unroofed
– A number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed
– Some old galvanized iron (G.I.) roofs may be peeled or blown off
– Some wooden, old electric posts are tilted or downed
– Some damage to poorly constructed signs/billboards
– In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities. Most banana plants, a few mango trees, ipil-ipil and similar types of trees are downed or broken
– Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken
– Rice and corn may be adversely affected
– Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some heavy-foliaged trees blown down.

Storm Surge is possible over coastal areas under PSWS # 2.

The public storm warning signal no. 1 (30-60 kph winds is expected in at least 36 hours) is still hoisted over the Rest of Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.

The potential impacts of the winds under signal no.1 were the following:
– No damage to high risk structures.
– Light damage to medium to low risk structures.
– Slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities.
– Some banana plants are tilted, a few downed and leaves are generally damaged.
– Twigs of small trees may be broken.
– Rice crops, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

Residents in low lying and mountainous areas of the provinces with Public Storm Warning Signals are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Storm surges of up to 1.5 meters are possible over Gonzaga, Cagayan.

Fisherfolks are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Luzon.

It is advised to refrain from outdoor activities particularly along beaches of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands on Monday (May 11).

Meanwhile, Public Storm Warning Signals elsewhere are now lifted.

The estimated rainfall amount is from heavy to intense within the 100 km diameter of the typhoon.

Ignacio said except in Northern Luzon, most parts of the country including Metro Manila will have fair weather on Monday with possible isolated rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms.

In its Monday forcast, PAGASA said stormy weather with rough to very rough seas will be experienced over Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan group of islands while Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte will have rains with gusty winds.

Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will be experienced over the rest of Northern Luzon while Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

PAGASA also said moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northwest to Southwest will prevail over Central Luzon and the rest of Northern Luzon with moderate to rough seas.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the Southwest to Southeast with slight to moderate seas.

The state-run weather bureau also issued a gale warning due to the effects of typhoon Dodong as the sea condition will be rough to very rough due to strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the eastern seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon.

”Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” it warned.