Tropical Depression Isang slows down as it crosses Quirino

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Isang slowed down slightly as it traversed across Quirino province on Friday afternoon, August 22, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

As of 4 p.m., the center of Isang was located in the vicinity of Aglipay, Quirino, carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 15 kph.

Storm signals raised. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is up over 17 provinces in northern and central Luzon, including Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, and the northern portions of Nueva Ecija.

PAGASA said areas under Signal No. 1 may experience winds of 39 to 61 kph, which pose a “minimal to minor” threat to life and property.

Monsoon rains, gusts expected. The southwest monsoon, enhanced by Isang, will bring strong to gale-force gusts over wide areas of Luzon, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. Affected today are Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Burias Island, Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin.

Tomorrow, gusty conditions are expected in Batanes, Cagayan, the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Burias Island, and Camarines Sur.

Rough seas warning.  Although no gale warning has been issued, rough seas up to three meters are expected over the seaboards of Batanes and Cagayan. PAGASA warned small vessels and motorbancas against venturing out to sea in these areas.

Moderate seas will prevail over the seaboards of Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Zambales, western Bataan, and Lubang Island.

Track and outlook. Isang is forecast to cross Northern Luzon and emerge over the West Philippine Sea Friday night before leaving the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday, August 23.

It is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm within 24 hours, and possibly into a severe tropical storm as it heads toward the waters south of Hainan, China. — Cristina Chi