Tropical depression ‘Isang’ accelerates

Project NOAH MTSAT image as of July 17, 2013, 10:01 AM. Screengrab from https://noah.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines—Tropical depression “Isang” gained speed as it traversed Balintang Channel in the northern tip of Luzon midday Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the cyclone was moving north northwest at 22 kilometers per hour.

“Isang” was last observed over Calayan Island, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center.

Still under Signal No. 1 (45-60 kph winds) were hoisted over the following areas:

• Ilocos Norte
• Apayao
• Cagayan incl. Calayan
• Babuyan Group of Islands
• Batanes Group of Islands

“Isang” was forecast to exit by Thursday morning, when it would be about 540 km northwest of Aparri, Cagayan.

It will enhance the southwest monsoon which will bring light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Western Visayas, Pagasa said.