MANILA, Philippines – More provinces have been placed under storm Signals No. 1 and 2 as tropical storm “Chedeng” (international codename: Songda) slowed down but has maintained strength, the state-run weather bureau said Wednesday.
In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 5 a.m., Chedeng was seen 365 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar packing maximum sustained winds of 115 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 145 kph.
Chedeng is forecast to move west northwest at 13 kph, Pagasa said.
Under Signal No. 2 are Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and the Samar provinces.
Signal No. 1 has been raised over the provinces of Marinduque, Masbate, Burias Island, Ticao Island, Southern Quezon and Polilo and Biliran Island.
“Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under signals 2 and 1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone,” Pagasa warned.
Chedeng is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and likewise
bring rains over parts of Mindanao and Visayas.
The rest of the country will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms, Pagasa added.
By Thursday morning, Chedeng is expected to be 160 kilometers east of
Virac, Catanduanes and at 120 km southeast of Casiguran, Aurora by
Friday morning, Pagasa said.
The tropical storm is said to be at 40 km northeast of Aparri, Cagayan by Saturday morning, Pagasa added.