Tropical cyclone “Emong” (international name: Co‑may) has strengthened into a typhoon, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to warn that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No.4 may be hoisted as it approaches its projected landfall on Friday, July 25.
As of 11 a.m. Thursday, July 24, PAGASA said the center of Emong was located 220 kilometers west-southwest of Bacnotan, La Union, or 210 kilometers west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
Previously classified as a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 135 kph, Emong has intensified into a typhoon, now packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts reaching 150 kph.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said that the next 24 hours would be the most crucial period because Typhoon Emong is expected to reach its peak strength.
He added that the typhoon’s maximum sustained winds could increase slightly to 130 kph while it moves across the West Philippine Sea toward the Ilocos Region.
PAGASA said the typhoon is moving slowly but is expected to turn eastward before accelerating northeastward Thursday night.
Landfall is likely to occur Friday morning in La Union or Ilocos Sur. A close pass over northwestern Pangasinan before landfall farther north remains a possibility.
After crossing the mountainous terrain of northwestern Luzon, Emong is expected to continue moving northeastward over the Luzon Strait and into the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan.
Between late Friday morning and evening, it may either pass near or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands and Batanes. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
