
By Brian Campued
Tropical Depression Emong (international name: Co-May) has exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Saturday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of 10:00 a.m., Emong was monitored 695 km northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, outside PAR and is moving north-northeastward at 35 kph. The tropical depression packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
Based on PAGASA’s track forecast, Emong will further weaken into a remnant low today while over the East China Sea.
All Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals are now lifted.
Gale warning is still hoisted over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon due to moderate to rough sea conditions caused by the tropical cyclone and habagat.
“Mariners of motor bancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions,” PAGASA said.
The state weather bureau also reported that the Tropical Depression Francisco (formerly Dante) was spotted 655 km north of Itbayat, Batanes, while Tropical Storm Krosa was located 2,325 km east of northeast Luzon. Both tropical cyclones are also outside the PAR.
The southwest monsoon or habagat, however, will continue to prevail over the western section of Luzon, bringing moderate to heavy rains in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro until Sunday noon.
-jpv