Tropical Depression Gener speeds up, landfall expected by Tuesday

(Photo courtesy of Pagasa)

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Gener slightly increased its speed and is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Isabela or Aurora by Monday evening or Tuesday morning, according to the state weather bureau.

In its 8 p.m. cyclone update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Gener is moving closer to the Northern Luzon mainland at 15 kilometers per hour (kph).

READ: TD Gener keeps strength, to make landfall in Isabela or Aurora

The tropical depression was last monitored 240 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, and gusts of up to 70 kph.

Since Gener maintained its strength, the following areas remain under signal no. 1:

• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Ifugao
• Mountain Province
• Benguet
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Pangasinan
• Zambales
• Tarlac
• Nueva Ecija
• Aurora
• The northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real) including Polillo Islands

Based on the forecast, the tropical depression is expected to exit the Philippine area of Responsibility between Tuesday evening and Wednesday (September 18) morning.

“Gener will likely cross the landmass of mainland Luzon as a tropical depression, although the possibility of reaching tropical storm category or slight weakening prior to landfall is not ruled out,” Pagasa said.

“Over the West Philippine Sea, Gener may reach tropical storm category tomorrow evening or on Wednesday morning,” it added.

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