‘Ompong’ slightly weakens, moves toward Ilocos region

Typhoon “Ompong” has slightly weakened as of Saturday 8 a.m., as it heads west toward Ilocos Norte, according to the state weather bureau.

In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said “Ompong” now has maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph), from the previous 200 kph, near the center and gustiness of up to 305 kph.  It movement slightly slowed down, with a speed of 30 kph, from the previous phase of 35 kph.

Despite this, Pagasa still warned of stormy weather especially over areas under the tropical storm warning signals number 2, 3, and 4.  Storm surges of up to six meters may be encountered in the coastlines of Ilocos Norte, 2 meters in Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

As of 8 a.m., these are the provinces under corresponding signal warnings:

Signal No. 4: IIocos Norte, Babuyan Group of Islands, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga

Signal No. 3: Cagayan, Batanes, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ifugao, Northern Isabela

Signal No. 2: Southern Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Zambales, Quirino, Pampanga, Bulacan, Northern Quezon including Polilio island

Signal No. 1:  Bataan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rest of Quezon, Lubang Island

Due to the intensified southwest monsoon or Habagat, moderate to heavy rains may prevail over Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, ARMM, MIMAROPA and Bicol Region, while Eastern and Central Visayas may experience scattered to moderate rains.

Residents of these regions, especially those in living near rivers and low-lying areas, are warned of flash floods and landslides. /jpv

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