Severe tropical storm “Ineng” (international name “Bailu”) made a close approach to Batanes yesterday and lashed residents in Northern Luzon with strong winds and moderate to heavy rains while heading towards southern Taiwan.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said the eye of the storm was monitored at 140 kilometers north-northwest of Basco, Batanes yesterday morning.
Ineng gained speed and now moving west-northwest at 30 kilometers per hour while its wind strength slightly intensified to 100 kph hour near the center and gusts of up to 125 kph.
PAGASA said Ineng will remain a severe tropical storm upon exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility yesterday afternoon.
According to PAGASA, Ineng will continue to cross the Bashi Channel while heading towards the southern tip of Taiwan where it is expected to make its first landfall.
The tropical cyclone spared hitting the country’s landmass as it moved over the sea while inside PAR.
However, PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin dela Cruz said though Ineng is outside PAR, its diameter will still affect islands in the extreme Northern Luzon with winds that may cause light to moderate damage.
Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 was raised over Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands that may experience winds of greater than 61 kph and up to 120 kph in at least 24 hours.
Signal No. 1 was still up in Cagayan, Apayao, northern Abra, and Ilocos Norte where winds of 30 to 60 kph or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours.
Ineng will bring moderate to heavy rains over Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Batanes, Cagayanm including Babuyan Grouo of Islands, Zambales, Bataan, Mindoro provinces, northern portions of Palawan, including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, Aklan, and Antique.
Light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains will be experienced over Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas,
Rizal, Iloilo, Guimaras, and the rest of Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon due to the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
Meanwhile, PAGASA is closely monitoring a potential storm brewing outside PAR that may cross and hit Luzon’s landmass.
PAGASA said the weather disturbance was spotted off 1,835 kilometers east of Mindanao yesterday morning.
It is expected to enter PAR as a low-pressure area tomorrow and may gather strength and further intensify as it moves over the Pacific Ocean towards Luzon.
Dela Cruz said that based on historical records, tropical cyclones entering the country this particular time of the year usually cross Northern and Central Luzon. (Alexandria San Juan)