Project NOAH: Up to 3.7 meter storm surges in Samar, Leyte

MANILA, Philippines – At least three municipalities in Samar and Leyte may see storm surges of almost 4 meters when Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) hits land.

Based on storm surge simulations, the municipalities of Talalora in Samar, Batbangon in Leyte, and Sta Rita in Samar may see the highest surge heights – between 2.7 to 3.7 meters.

This is equivalent to a Storm Surge Advisory 3, on a 5-level storm surge warning scale. (READ: How to know if storm surge threatens your area)

On Friday, December 5, state weather bureau PAGASA said the typhoon has weakened as it continues to move towards Eastern Visayas.

It is expected to hit land on Saturday evening, December 6, or Sunday morning, December 7, over the Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area.

The agency, however, warned that the typhoon continues to pose a threat to low-lying areas and could trigger heavy to intense rainfall.

The National Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) also listed 39 municipalities in Leyte, Biliran, Cebu, Samar, Masbate, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental in its storm surge advisory.

The agency, however, insists that residents in low-lying coastal areas under typhoon signals should all be on alert against possible storm surges.

Residents are also encouraged to evacuate as soon as possible to avoid being hit by flying debris caused by strong winds.

Here is the list of places where the forecast storm surges are highest, according to NOAH.

– Rappler.com