As Pepito exits, some Luzon areas still at risk of storm surge

MANILA, Philippines — Some areas in Luzon are at “moderate” to “high risk” of storm surge within the next 48 hours even as Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) moves away from the coasts of La Union and Pangasinan , the state weather bureau warned early Monday morning.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) defines a storm surge as “the abnormal rise in sea level that occurs during tropical cyclones or typhoons.”

“It is caused by strong winds and low atmospheric pressures produced by tropical cyclones. As the tropical cyclone approaches the coast, strong winds push the ocean water over the low-lying coastal areas, which can lead to flooding,” Pagasa said.

Below is the list of areas that may experience storm surge in the next 48 hours:

2.1 to 3 meters

• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Pangasinan

1 to 2 meters

• Aurora
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• Isabela
• Pangasinan
• Zambales

The public is advised in these areas to stay away from the coast or beach, cancel all marine activities, and move to higher grounds away from the coast and storm surge-prone areas.

In its 2 a.m. cyclone update, Pagasa said Pepito is now 105 kilometers west southwest of Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

It is moving northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour (km/h), packing maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 185 km/h.

Pepito is expected to exit the country’s boundary by Monday morning or noon.