PAGASA: ‘Butchoy’ Weakens but Enhances Southwest Monsoon; Batanes Under Signal No. 2

Typhoon “Butchoy” (international name: Nepartak) has slightly weakened as it moves closer to Taiwan, but enhances the southwest monsoon which will cause moderate to occasionally heavy rains over the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Cavite and Mindoro, the state weather bureau said.

In its 5 a.m. advisory Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Butchoy,” moving northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, is about to make landfall over southeast Taiwan.

“Butchoy” was last eyed at 240 km north northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. It packs maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

Batanas has been placed under Signal No. 2, and Signal No. 1 for Babuyan group of islands. (PNA) JMC/MCCA