Storm signal warnings in N. Luzon possible by weekend – Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical cyclone warning signal number 1 may be raised over parts of Luzon on Friday as Tropical Depression Perla nears the country’s landmass.

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that “Perla” was spotted 860 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

“Perla” packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 55 kph as it moves west-northwest at 10 kph.

The state weather bureau said “Perla” may trigger scattered rains and thunderstorms over Batanes, Apayao and Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands starting Saturday.

Meanwhile, Pagasa added that gale warning due to northeasterly surface wind flow is in effect over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon.

A shallow low-pressure area is also being monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility. /gsg