Signal No. 1 Up in 4 Areas in N. Luzon as Typhoon ‘Henry’ Intensifies

Manila (PNA) — Storm signal No. 1 is now up in at least four areas as typhoon “Henry” continues to move towards extreme Northern Luzon, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical ad Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday.

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong said that as of 4 a.m. the eye of typhoon Henry was located at 340 km northeast of Virac, Catanduanes (15.1°N, 127.6°E).

He added Henry’s maximum sustained winds has increased from 120 kph to 130 kph near the center and gustiness also rose from 150 kph to 160 kph.

Quitlong said that Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan including Babuyan and Calayan Group of Islands are under public storm warning signal 1 (winds of 45-60 kph is expected within the next 36 hours).

The estimated rainfall amount is from 7.5 – 15 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within the 500 km diameter of the Typhoon.

Quitlong said typhoon Henry will enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” which is expected to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Bicol Region, Visayas and Aurora Province.

“Residents in these areas are advised to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides,” PAGASA warned.

It added fisherfolks and those with small sea crafts are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Northern and Central Luzon, the seaboards of Southern Luzon and Visayas and over the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao due to the winds brought by the typhoon.

Quitlong said typhoon Henry will continue to enhance southwest monsoon that will bring rains in most parts of the country, including Metro Manila.

Quitlong said Henry’s movement continues to move northwest as it accelerated from 15 kph to 20 kph.

Maintaining its speed and movement, Quitlong said typhoon Henryis expected to make a landfall in Batanes and be out the country by Wednesday as it heads towards Taiwan.

Typhoon Henry is expected to be at 275 km east of Aparri, Cagayan by Tuesday morning and at 200 km northwest of Basco, Batanes by Wednesday morning.

By Thursday morning, it is expected to be 655 km northwest of Basco, Batanes. (PNA) JBP/CLTC

Image Credit: PAGASA