The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of stormy weather in Batanes, as typhoon “Helen” (international name “Megi”) is expected to move closest to the province by early Tuesday.
As of Monday afternoon, Helen was estimated at 415 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 185 kph.
It is forecast to move west-northwest slightly slower at 20 kph. If it maintains its current speed and track, Helen will be closest to Batanes by early Tuesday.
As the typhoon threatens the extreme Northern Luzon area, PAGASA was prompted to raise tropical cyclone warning signal number 2 over Batanes group of islands, and signal number 2 over northern Cagayan, including Babuyan group of islands.
It said stormy weather will be experienced over Batanes group of islands, while rains with gusty winds is expected over Babuyan group of islands.
PAGASA-Weather Division’s Marine Meteorological Services Section Chief Rene Paciente said the typhoon will also enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat that will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms experienced over the rest of Luzon, Visayas and the regions of Caraga, Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula. (Ellalyn B. de Vera)
