By Alec Go
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been hoisted over several portions of Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan with expected light to moderate with at times heavy rains on Monday morning, Aug. 21, as Tropical Depression “Florita” intensifies.
As of 5:00 p.m., TCWS has been raised over the following areas:
- Northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag)
- Eastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, Palanan, Divilacan, Maconacon, San Pablo, Cabagan, Tumauini, Ilagan City, San Mariano),
- Eastern portion of Cagayan (Peñablanca, Baggao)
TCWS No. 2 may also be raised in eastern section of Northern Luzon as early as Monday morning.
In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said heavy to intense rains are expected over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Ilocos Region by Monday evening to Tuesday evening.
Central Luzon and the rest of Cagayan Valley may also experience light to moderate rains, with at times heavy downpours.
Landfall in the vicinity of Cagayan or the northern portion of Isabela may take place on Tuesday morning or afternoon.
It is also forecast to reach tropical storm category by Monday morning or afternoon “may reach peak intensity of 75 km/h prior to making landfall.”
“Slight weakening is likely as it crosses Northern Luzon, but it is forecast to remain within the tropical storm category,” PAGASA said. – gb