(GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) have been lifted in more areas in the country except Zambales and parts of Pangasinan as Tropical Depression Butchoy moves over the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported Friday morning.
In its 8 a.m. update, the state weather bureau said “Butchoy” was located 50 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
It is moving west northwest at a speed of 15 kph.
Pagasa said TCWS No. 1 is still up over Zambales and the western portion of Pangasinan – Bolinao, Anda, Bani, Agno, Alaminos City, Burgos, Dasol, Mabini, Sual, Labrador and Infanta.
Warning signals over Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and some municipalities in Pangasinan have been lifted.
Pagasa said moderate to heavy, with at times intense rains are expected in Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, northern portion of Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands and Occidental Mindoro.
Meanwhile, light to moderate, with at times heavy rains, are expected over the Visayas, Caraga and Davao regions in Mindanao, and the rest of Luzon.
“Flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards,” Pagasa said.
In an earlier forecast, Pagasa said that “Butchoy” is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday morning, June 13, 2020.