11 areas under storm signal No. 1

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday placed 11 areas under public storm warning signal no. 1 as Tropical Storm Labuyo moved towards the country.

PAGASA raised public storm warning signal no. 1 over Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Quezon, Polilio Island, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quirino and Catanduanes. These areas should expect winds at 45-60 kilometers per hour.

PAGASA forecaster Glaiza Escolar said it is possible that Labuyo would intensify into a typhoon “because it is still far from land and it could still accumulate moisture that would strengthen it.” 

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the tropical cyclone was located at 450 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum winds at 105 kph near the center and gustiness at 135 kph. It is moving in a west northwest direction at 19 kph.

PAGASA said the storm has intensified as it continues to threaten northern and central Luzon. It is expected to make landfall at the northern part of Aurora on Monday morning.

By Sunday afternoon, Labuyo is expected to be at 170 kilometers north of Virac. By Monday afternoon, it would be in Sabangan, Mountain Province and by Tuesday afternoon at 390 kilometers northwest of Sinait, Ilocos Norte, already outside of the Philippine area of responsibility.

PAGASA said the estimated rainfall amount is from 5 to16 millimeters per hour (moderate-intense) within the 600-kilometer diameter of the tropical storm.

The storm will also enhance the southwest monsoon and bring light to moderate rains over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quirino, Northern Quezon including Polilio Island, Camarines province, Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes would experience rains and gutsy winds with moderate to rough seas. – With Raymund Catindig