Tropical Storm Florita to affect more parts of Luzon

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MANILA, Philippines – State weather bureau PAGASA warned that the trough or elongated region of Tropical Storm Florita (Prapiroon) will affect more parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

In a bulletin issued 4 pm on Saturday, June 30, PAGASA said Florita is located 785 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, moving northwest at a relatively slow 10 kilometers per hour (km/h).

The tropical storm still has maximum winds of 85 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 105 km/h.

Since its direction is upward, Florita will not make landfall in the Philippines. There are also no areas under tropical cyclone warning signals.

But the trough or elongated region of the tropical storm will affect Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Bicol.

These regions should be on alert for light to heavy rain which may trigger flash floods and landslides. (READ: FAST FACTS: Tropical cyclones, rainfall advisories)

Based on its latest forecast track, Florita is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday afternoon, July 1.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country not affected by Florita’s trough will have isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms. These could also cause flash floods and landslides.

PAGASA had declared the start of the rainy season last June 8. – Rappler.com