By Alec Go
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been hoisted over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands as of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, due to Super Typhoon “Henry.”
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the super typhoon has weakened slightly with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gustiness of up to 230 km/h.
“Bahagya rin pong bumagal from 25km/h kaninang umaga, ngayon ay kumikilos south-southwest sa bilis naman na 15km/h,” PAGASA Senior Weather Specialist Chris Perez said.
“During the last six hours, ang nagging pagkilos nito ay south-southwest, kaya’t lalong lumalapit ang rainbands at area ng malalakas na hangin dito sa bandang dulong hilagang Luzon. ‘Yan ang dahilang kung bakit ngayong hapon may nakataas nang TCWS No. 1,” he added.
Batanes may experience moderate to heavy rains on Thursday night, while light to moderate may prevail over Babuyan Islands. Both areas will experience moderate to heavy rains on Friday.
As of 4:00 p.m., “Henry” was located 400 km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
“Asahan ngayong gabi ang mga pag-ulan at paminsan-minsang pagbugso ng hangin at maalon hanggang sa mga napakaalong karagatan,” he said, referring to areas under TCWS No. 1.
Other areas in Northern Luzon are also advised to monitor updates on “Henry.”
Meanwhile, gale warning has been raised in Batanes,Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, and the northern coast of Ilocos Norte.
“Henry” is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. PAGASA has not yet ruled out the possible raising of TCWS No. 2. – gb
