The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration yesterday hoisted public storm signal No. 1 over Batanes as a stronger typhoon “Butchoy” (international name “Nepartak”) moved closer to Taiwan yesterday.
As of noon yesterday, Butchoy was estimated at 740 kilometers east-southeast of Basco, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 230 kph, moving northwest at 30 kph and still not expected to make landfall over any part of the Philippines.
Should it maintain its speed and direction, Butchoy will be outside the country’s area of responsibility by tomorrow.
PAGASA said Batanes is expected to experience 30- to 60-kph winds and moderate to heavy rains.
Earlier, PAGASA’s Marine Meteorological Services Section chief Rene Paciente said the enhanced southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” will bring light to moderate to at times heavy rains over most parts of the country until the weekend. (Ellalyn B. de Vera)