By Jhon Dave Ablat
BATANES – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Saturday, May 16 that Tropical Storm Ambo could pass over the Batanes islands as it continues to exit the northern portion of Philippine area of responsibility.
According to its 11 a.m. Severe Weather Bulletin of May 16, the agency stated that based on their forecast, the storm's eye can hit the province.
"Hindi natin inaalis and tyansa base sa ating tract, possible pa rin po na mahagip ng sentro nito (TS "Ambo") ang Batanes landmass. Kung kaya't hindi po natin pinagiging kampante ang mga kababayan natin doon," Loreidin De La Cruz, Weather Specialist of PAGASA said in their report.
PAGASA also notified Batanes and Babuyan islands against moderate to heavy rains on May 17, Sunday, according to their Heavy Rainfall Outlook.
The province is now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1, together with Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Babuyan Islands, and the northwestern portion of Cagayan that can experience 30-60 km/h winds prevailing or expected in 24 hours.
Tropical Storm Ambo was last tracked at 75 km west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte where Signal no. 2 was raised with maximum sustained winds of up to 65 km/h near the center, and gustiness of up to 80 km/h moving north northwest at 25 km/h.
"Ambo" is expected to exit PAR on Monday afternoon, May 18.