Tropical storm ‘Marce’ finally leaves today; improved weather expected in next 3 days

Tropical Storm “Marce” (international name: Tokage) took another day to exit from Philippine territory, finally leaving via the West Philippine Sea early today.

Marce, the only cyclone to hit the country in November, picked up strength packing 85 kph maximum winds near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph even as it lingered at sea west of the Luzon landmass.

It was no longer affecting any part of the country since Saturday, after causing stormy weather over parts of Luzon and the Visayas since Friday.

“By Monday until Wednesday, the whole country will generally have improved weather,” the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

It said the country would have isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms, except extreme northern Luzon where the surge in the northeast monsoon will continue to bring light rains.

As Pagasa lifted storm signals on Saturday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said many evacuees have started to return home yesterday.

From 2,081 families or 9,353 persons displaced in four regions (Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island and Caraga) only 712 families or 3,346 persons remain in evacuation centers as of Sunday. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN