Henry continues to weaken, but Signal No. 2 still up in Batanes — Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Henry has continued to weaken as of Friday afternoon, but Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is still hoisted over Batanes, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

According to Pagasa’s bulletin, as of 5:00 p.m., Henry was last seen 350 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.

Track of Super Typhoon Hinnamnor, locally named in the Philippines as “Henry.”

It is now northwestward at a speed of 10 kph, which means that Henry has started to shift northwards away from the country’s landmass and the extreme Northern Luzon area. As a result, Henry is forecast to leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) between Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

Babuyan Islands and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan are still under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

Pagasa said that moderate to heavy rains are likely over Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Abra from Friday afternoon to Friday night, while light to moderate with at times heavy rains may be experienced in Cagayan, the rest of Ilocos Region, and the Cordillera Administrative Region over the same time.

By Saturday, moderate to heavy rains would only be felt in Batanes, while light to moderate with at times heavy rains may still be possible over the Babuyan Islands.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon, which is intensified by Typhoon Henry is also expected to bring rains over Isabela, the western portion of Central Luzon, and the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Pagasa also warned about the possibility of flash floods and landslides, especially for those living in low-lying areas and mountain slopes.

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” Pagasa said.

“Persons living in areas identified as high or very susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” it added.

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