MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Tropical storm Helen (international codename Kai-tak) has weakened as it traversed Cagayan Wednesday morning, August 15.
As of 10 am, Helen has moved northward and its center was last spotted 40 km south southeast of Aparri, Cagayan (18.1°N, 121.8°E).
Its maximum sustained winds are down to 75 km/h near the center, with gusts of up to 90 km/h. Within its 500 km radius, rainfall is intense to torrential, estimated to be 20-35 millimeters per hour.
The storm made landfall over Palanan, Isabela at around 1 am.
Helen has slowed down, currently moving west northwest at 13 km/h, and is expected to be 250 km west northwest of Aparri by Thursday morning, August 16.
It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday.
Public storm warning signal number 2 is still in effect over the following provinces:
- Batanes
- Cagayan (including the Calayan & Babuyan Island Groups)
- Isabela
- Northern Aurora
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Benguet
- Ifugao
- Mountain Province
- Ilocos Sur
- Apayao
- Kalinga
- Ilocos Norte
- Abra
These areas are currently experiencing winds between 61-100 km/h.
Few large uprooted trees are expected, and structures with light roofing materials (nipa, cogon, old galvanized iron sheets) can be unroofed.
Travel by all types of sea vessels is also risky in these areas. Agricultural damage could be moderate, with rice & corn crops severely affected.
Meanwhile, public storm warning signal number 1 is in effect over
- Nueva Ecija
- Pangasinan
- Tarlac
- La Union
- Rest of Aurora
These areas are experiencing winds between 45-60 km/h.
The bureau is cautioning residents in low-lying and mountainous areas to prepare for possible landslides and flashfloods. Coastal areas under signal # 2 are also alerted against storm surges and big waves.
Wednesday’s weather
The storm will enhance the Southwest Monsoon, bringing rain over Luzon and Visayas.
Meanwhile, as northern Luzon experiences stormy weather, the rest of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon and Western Visayas will have occasional to frequent rain, which could trigger flashfloods and landslides.
Mindanao and the rest of the Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain and thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds from the southwest will prevail over the rest of the country, and will have moderate to rough coastal waters.
Tuguegarao, Laoag, and Baguio cities will be stormy due to Helen, while, Metro Manila will be rainy, with temperatures raining between 23-26°C.
The cities of Olongapo, Angeles, Tagaytay, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, and Bacolod will also be rainy, while Legazpi City will have occasional rain.
Cebu, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Zamboanga cities, meanwhile, will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated rain and thunderstorms, the bureau said.
The next severe weather bulletin for Helen will be released at 5 pm. – Rappler.com
For more weather updates, visit the #WeatherAlert Microsite.
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