‘Gener’ slows down slightly; storm signals still up in 7 areas in N. Luzon

MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image 5:32 a.m., 30 July 2012

MANILA, Philippines—Tropical Storm “Gener” (international name: Saola) has slowed down slightly as it continues to move in a north northwest direction, the state-run weather bureau said Monday.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Gener was estimated at 330 kilometers east northeast of Appari, Cagayan as of 4 a.m.

It was packing maximum winds of 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of 135 kilometers per hour.

It was forecast to move north northwest at 11 kilometers per hour.

Public Storm Warning Signals

Signal No. 2 remains hoisted over Cagayan Including Calayan and Babuyan Group, and Batanes Group of Islands.

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 remains raised in Isabela, Kalinga and Apayao.

Tropical Storm Generis expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon that will bring rains over Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas, especially the western section, and Northern Mindanao, Pagasa said.

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signals and areas affected by the Southwest Monsoon are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides, it said.

Likewise, those living in coastal areas under Public Storm Warning Signal #2 are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone, it added.