MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Carina is expected to eventually weaken into a low-pressure area (LPA) by Wednesday when it grazes the eastern portion of Taiwan, state meteorologists said on Monday.
According to the 5:00 p.m. forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Carina’s eye was last seen 165 kilometers east of Aparri in Cagayan province, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
Carina is still moving west-northwest at a speed of 15 kph.
By Tuesday afternoon, Carina is expected to move to the north of the Batanes group of islands, and then to the eastern side of Taiwan by Wednesday afternoon, where it may weaken as an LPA.
As of now, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is still raised over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northeast portion of Cagayan province’s mainland which includes Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Lal-lo, Gattaran and Baggao.
The above-mentioned areas may experience prevailing winds within 30 kph to 60 kph in the next 36 hours.
Residents of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, and Ilocos Norte may expect moderate to heavy rains while the rest of Northern Luzon and Central Luzon can feel light to moderate, and at times heavy rains.
Pagasa advises the public to monitor their updates as landslides and flooding are possible, especially in slopes and low-lying areas.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms may also develop in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. Despite the weather disturbance not making landfall, Pagasa said that the cloud bands Carina brought are responsible for the cloudy weather and rains in various parts of Luzon including Metro Manila.
Fisherfolk and boat operators using small seacraft are advised not to set sail as Luzon’s northern and eastern seaboards will have a moderate to rough condition, with waves reaching as high as 1.2 meters to 3.1 meters. [ac]