Tropical depression Isang made landfall in Casiguran, Aurora, at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
At the time of landfall, Isang was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers pe r hour (kph) near its center, with gusts reaching up to 90 kph. It is moving westward at 15 kph, bringing rains and winds to several parts of Luzon.
As a result, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, northern and central portions of Aurora (including Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dilasag, Baler, Maria Aurora, Dipaculao, and San Luis), and northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Lupao, Carranglan, Pantabangan, and San Jose City).
PAGASA said the wind signals are meant to warn the public of potential threats from strong winds.
“Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction,” it said in a bulletin.
PAGASA also warned that the tropical depression and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) will bring moderate to heavy rainfall (50 to 100 millimeters) over several Luzon areas within the next 24 hours.
Affected areas include Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union, Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Cavite, Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Aklan, Antique, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate.
PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando reminded the public that while Isang may not be intense in terms of wind strength, its rainfall impact should not be underestimated.
“Bagamat ang tropical depression Isang ay hindi gaanong malakas in terms of intensity, inaasahan natin ito ay magbibigay ng mga malalakas na pag-ulan hindi lamang sa mga lugar na direktang tatamaan o dadaanan ng bagyong Isang maging sa malaking bahagi ng kanlurang bahagi ng Luzon maging sa Visayas dala nitong habagat,” Servando said in a press conference.
He urged the public to stay alert, especially with the upcoming long weekend, in celebration of National Heroes Day on Aug. 25, when many may be planning to travel.
“Pinapayuhan natin ang ating mga kababayan na patuloy na magmonitor ng mga impormasyon na ibibigay ng PAGASA, lalo na patungo tayo sa long weekend at inaasahan natin marami sa ating mga kababayan ay posibleng magbyahe dahil sa long weekend,” he said. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
