TS Odette to continue dumping rains as it remains stationary

Tropical storm Odette (international name: Khanun) would continue to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms in northern and central parts of Luzon as it has remained almost stationary, the state weather bureau said Saturday.

In its 11:00 a.m. press briefing, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Odette slowed down from 10 kilometers per hour (kph) early Saturday to 7 kph and is expected to keep its pace until early Saturday night.

“Kung ikukumpara natin ngayon, para itong taong naglalakad lang kaya hindi natin makita yung malaking difference o yung displacement niya at least in the past six to 12 hours,” said Pagasa weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz.

(To give you an idea, it is just like a person walking that’s why we cannot see its huge difference or displacement in the past six to 12 hours.)

De la Cruz cited the two high pressure areas in the northwest and northeastern parts of the country pulling the tropical storm.

Odette was last seen 315 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Norte.

De la Cruz said that yellow rainfall warning was raised over Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, and Laguna as heavy rains may trigger flash floods and landslides in low-lying areas

Odette is expected to go outside of the Philippine area of responsibility within the day. /jpv