‘Jolina’ weakens after Aurora landfall

The path of tropical storm “Jolina.” Source Pagasa-DOST

Tropical storm “Jolina” (international name: Pakhar) has weakened after making a landfall in Casiguran, Aurora and crossed the rugged terrain of northern Luzon, the state weather bureau said on Saturday.

In its 8:00 a.m. severe weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said moderate and occasional heavy rains due to thunderstorms will continue to prevail over the rest of Luzon as Jolina approached the western coast of Ilocos Norte.

Residents in the provinces located in the northern part of the country, as well as other areas under signals number 1 and 2, have been warned of possible flashfloods and landslides.

Jolina was last seen 75 kilometers west southwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Signal no. 2 has been raised over Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, while signal no. 1 has been raised over La Union, Apayao, Isabela, Quirino, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Abra and Nueva Vizcaya.

Pagasa forecasters said the tropical storm is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday morning. JPV