Ruby weakens as typhoon threatens Metro

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) weakened on Monday morning, December 8, as it was set to make a 3rd landfall over the northern part of the Mindoro provinces and unleash its wrath on Metro Manila at night.

In its 5 am bulletin on Monday, the state weather bureau said Ruby packs maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 km/h.

Ruby weakened overnight after it registered on Sunday, December 7, maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h and gustiness of up to 170 km/h.

Still, Ruby posed serious threats to Mindoro and other areas it will affect. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Ruby’s 3rd landfall, for instance, “will be associated with strong winds, storm surge, and moderate to heavy rainfall.”

PAGASA said Ruby will also affect Metro Manila on Monday evening. The Philippines’ flood-prone capital, which is home to 11.9 million people, will feel Ruby at its strongest from 8 to 10 pm, the state weather bureau said.

The expected effects of Ruby have prompted the Palace to cancel classes and government work in Metro Manila, Region IV-A, and Region IV-B. Other local governments have also cancelled classes.

To warn the public, PAGASA raised storm signals over the following areas: 

Signal Number 3:

(Winds of 100-185 km/h expected in at least 18 hours)

• Burias Island

• Marinduque

• Romblon

• Oriental Mindoro

• Occidental Mindoro

• Batangas

• Laguna

• Cavite

• Southern Quezon

• Lubang Island

Signal Number 2: 

(Winds of 61-100 km/h expected in at least 24 hours)

• Metro Manila

• Masbate

• Ticao Island

• Calamian Group of Islands

• Bulacan

• Bataan

• Northern Quezon

• Rizal

• Camarines Sur

• Camarines Norte

• Semirara Island

• Aklan

• Capiz

Signal Number 1:

(Winds of at least 30-60 km/h expected in at least 36 hours) 

• Albay

• Sorsogon

• Polillo Island

• Zambales

• Nueva Ecija

• Tarlac

• Pampanga

• Catanduanes

• Northern Palawan including Cuyo

• Northern Samar

• Iloilo

• Antique

• Biliran

• Bantayan Island

PAGASA will release its next update at 11 am on Monday. – Rappler.com