The chance of severe tropical storm “Sarah” (international name “Fung-wong”) making landfall over Cagayan has lessened due to changes in its forecast track.
Although the center of the tropical cyclone is now less likely to hit land, Sarah could still move close to the northernmost islands of Luzon last night or this morning, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration weather specialist Loriedin dela Cruz said.
Sarah was estimated 275 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes at noon yesterday, further strengthening with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kph.
Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes at noon yesterday.
PAGASA said light to moderate rains with some isolated heavy rain showers due to Sarah will likely prevail over Isabela, Cagayan, Aurora, and northern Quezon yesterday.
Strong rush of wind in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon can also be felt due to the surge of northeast monsoon or “amihan.”
A gale warning is still in effect as sea travel is risky for small sea craft over the coastline of Batanes, seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon, and the western coast of Southern Luzon due to rough seas triggered by Sarah and the amihan.
Sarah is seen to gradually weaken before its exit from the country’s area of responsibility tomorrow. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
