Isang exits Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical Storm Isang (international name Cimaron) exited the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday morning as two potential low-pressure areas were monitored off Coron, Palawan and Cagayan.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) lifted all storm warning signals as of 5 a.m. yesterday as Isang left the country and moved towards southern China.

However, light to moderate rains will continue to prevail in many parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, due to the enhanced southwest monsoon, the state weather bureau said.

PAGASA said aside from light to moderate rains, big waves generated by Isang would still affect the northern and western seaboards of Luzon.

“Fishermen, especially those using small seacraft, are advised not to venture out to the northern and western seaboards of Luzon due to big waves generated by tropical storm Isang,” PAGASA said.

As of 4 a.m. yesterday, the center of Isang was spotted at 250 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

It was forecast to move northwest at 15 kph.

PAGASA said the southwest monsoon will bring light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and the Batanes and Calayan group of islands in the next 24 hours.

Isang was expected to bring moderate to heavy rains (five to 15 millimeters per hour) within its 300-km radius.

Isang was the ninth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year and the second weather disturbance this month.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the weather systems spotted off Palawan and Cagayan yesterday morning that may become low-pressure areas have “slim chance” of developing into cyclones.

30 fishermen missing

Meanwhile, authorities in Northern Luzon have been alerted after 30 fishermen from Pangasinan failed to return home since last week.

Melchito Castro, civil defense director for the Ilocos region, said the fishermen ventured into sea before Isang hit the country. – With Alexis Romero