A weaker tropical depression “Tisoy” (international name “Kammuri”) left the Philippine Area of Responsibility yesterday, days after wreaking havoc in Bicol and Southern Luzon.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration weather specialist Chris Perez said Tisoy will no longer directly affect the country and was last spotted 705 kilometers west-northwest of Coron, Palawan around noon yesterday, packing maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It was downgraded from tropical storm to tropical depression.
Tisoy will likely further weaken into a low-pressure area within 24 hours, due to the intrusion of cold air coming from the tail-end of a cold front and northeast monsoon or “amihan.”
Perez said intermittent to frequent heavy rains may persist over most of Northern Luzon, Aurora, and northern Quezon due to the combined effects of the surge of amihan and tail-end of a cold front. Rains from these weather disturbances could trigger flooding and landslides in highly susceptible areas.
A gale warning remains in effect due to risky sea travel for small sea craft over the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon and the eastern and western coasts of Southern Luzon.
Strong rush of wind associated with the amihan may also be experienced in the northern portions of Northern Luzon, especially in the coastal and mountainous regions.
Perez said PAGASA is also monitoring a new LPA at 2,515 kms east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur yesterday morning.
Although it is less likely to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, PAGASA will be closely monitoring this weather disturbance for possible entry into the country’s area of responsibility.
So far, the LPA has no direct effect yet over any part of the country.
The water level at Angat Dam has increased by a meter but remained insufficient to reach the 212-meter normal high water level based on PAGASA monitoring as of 6 a.m. yesterday.
Angat Dam’s water level increased to 194.52 meters yesterday from 193.47 meters last Wednesday. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)
