PAGASA tracks new tropical cyclone as Egay exits PAR

PAGASA is also monitoring another tropical cyclone, which was last tracked 1,585 km east of Eastern Visayas still outside PAR. (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – Typhoon Egay is now outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but wind signals remain hoisted over some areas in Luzon, the weather bureau said Thursday.

In a media briefing, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Egay was last tracked 255 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes. The typhoon packs maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

PAGASA is also monitoring another tropical cyclone, which was last tracked 1,585 km east of Eastern Visayas still outside PAR.

“It has no direct effect on any part of the country yet. It could possibly enter PAR between Saturday night and Sunday,” PAGASA assistant weather services chief Chris Perez said.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is still hoisted over Batanes, northwestern portion of Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes) including Babuyan Islands and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Adams, Bangui, Dumalneg, Burgos).

“These areas may experience flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Strong winds could damage old and light materials,” Perez said.

On the other hand, areas under Signal No. 1 are Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, the rest of Ilocos Norte, the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Abra, Benguet, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, northern portion of Aurora (Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dilasag), northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Cuyapo, Guimba, Pantabangan, Science City of Muñoz, Carranglan, San Jose City, Lupao, Nampicuan, Talugtug), and the northern portion of Tarlac (Paniqui, Moncada, Pura, Camiling, Ramos, San Manuel, Anao, San Clemente).

“We encourage communities of these areas to coordinate with their local government for disaster preparedness and mitigation measures,” Perez said.

PAGASA is expecting heavy rainfall over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Flooding and rain-induced landslides are highly likely, especially in areas highly susceptible to these hazards.

The southwest monsoon enhanced by Egay will continue to cause occasional to monsoon rains over the western portions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon in the next three days.

Areas in Luzon and Western Visayas that are not under any signal will continue to experience gusty conditions due to the southwest monsoon.

Sea travel remains risky for most vessels as rough to very high seas continue to prevail over several seaboards of Luzon and the eastern and western seaboards of the Visayas.

PAGASA advised all mariners to remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside.