Signal No. 3 Up in Batanes Due to ‘Ferdie’

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised tropical cyclone warning signal no.3 in Batanes province due to typhoon “Ferdie” on Tuesday.

Despite the strong signal, the state-run weather bureau said the typhoon is expected to be in Batanes by tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Batanes will experience 121-170 kilometers per hour (kph) winds.

It also stressed the typhoon will be located 345 km west northwest of Itbayat, Batanes by Wednesday morning, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

PAGASA said the rainfall is expected to range from moderate to heavy in the typhoon’s 500 kilometer (km) diameter.

It also placed northern Cagayan and the Babuyan Group of Islands at signal no.2, with 61-120 kph winds expected in 24 hours.

These areas will have a wave height of 4.1-14.0 meters and possible storm surges in their coastal areas.

PAGASA warns Cagayan, Northern Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra and Ilocos Norte, Batanes and the Babuyan Group of Islands will experience 30-60 kph winds in the next 36 hours.

Residents in northern Luzon are urged to take precautionary measures against impacts of very strong winds and heavy rainfall.

The areas will also have a wave height of 1.25-4 meters.

The typhoon’s eye, as of 6 a.m., was located at 455 km east of Calayan, Cagayan. The typhoon is estimated to move west northwest at 22 kph.

PAGASA, however, said the typhoon has a strength of maximum sustained winds of up to 215 kph near the center, with a gustiness of up to 250 kph. (PNA) JMC/JLD