Pagasa: Storm signals lifted as ‘Butchoy’ drifts away from Luzon

Source: Pagasa / DOST

MANILA, Philippines — All tropical cyclone wind signals (TCWS) have been lifted even as Tropical Depression Butchoy slightly intensified as it continues to move away from Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported Friday morning.

In its 11 a.m. update, the state weather bureau said “Butchoy” was located 140 kilometers west-northwest of Iba, Zambales or 165 kilometers west of Dagupan City.

It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Pagasa said “Butchoy” is expected to intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours but is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Friday night or Saturday morning.

Occasional gusts associated with the southwest monsoon may still be experienced in most parts of Northern and Central Luzon and the western section of Southern Luzon and Visayas, said Pagasa.

The state weather bureau added that moderate to heavy rains are still expected in Zambales, Bataan, Pangasinan, the northern portion of Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands and Occidental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, light to moderate, with at times heavy, monsoon rains are expected in Metro Manila, Western Visayas, 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 warned.

GSG