Tropical storm “Ramon” (international name “Kalmaegi”) continues to intensify while moving slowly towards the Luzon landmass yesterday, the State weather bureau said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said Ramon was last spotted 420 kilometers east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or 460 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan before noon yesterday.
Ramon slightly intensified and now has maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It shifted direction and now moving slowly north- northwest.
PAGASA weather specialist Raymond Ordinario said that due to the tropical storm’s change in direction, it is expected to make a landfall in the northern tip of Cagayan between tomorrow evening and Monday morning.
According to Ordinario, Ramon might stay within the Philippine Area of Responsibility until Tuesday prior to its expected exit Wednesday morning.
Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 is still up in Northern Luzon, including the eastern portion of Cagayan, particularly the municipalities of Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Gattaran, Baggao, and Peñablanca; eastern portion of Isabela, particularly Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, and Dinapigue, and Dilasag, Casiguran, and Dinalungan in northern Aurora.
Winds of 30 to 60 kilometers per hour or intermittent rains may be expected in at least 36 hours in these areas.
Ordinario added that more areas in Northern Luzon may be placed under the storm warning signal once the tropical storm roars closer to the landmass. (Alexandria San Juan)