By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
The chance of severe tropical storm “Sarah” (international name ‘Fung-wong’) making landfall over Cagayan province has lessened due to changes in its forecast track.
(PAGASA / MANILA BULLETIN)
Although the center of the cyclone is now less likely to hit land, “Sarah” could still move close to the northernmost islands of Luzon by Thursday evening or Friday morning, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Loriedin dela Cruz.
“Sarah” was estimated 275 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes on Thursday noon, further strengthening with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 125 kph.
Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes province mid-Thursday.
PAGASA said light to moderate rains with some isolated heavy rain showers due to “Sarah” will likely prevail over Isabela, Cagayan, Aurora, and northern Quezon on Thursday.
Strong rush of wind in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon can also be felt due to the surge of northeast monsoon or ‘amihan.’
A gale warning is still in effect as sea travel is risky for small sea crafts over the coastline of Batanes, seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon, and the western coast of Southern Luzon due to rough seas triggered by “Sarah” and the amihan.
“Sarah” is seen to gradually weaken before its exit from the country’s area of responsibility on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the low pressure area, which is the remnant of tropical depression “Ramon” was already over the West Philippine Sea or 225 km west-southwest of Subic, Zambales as of Thursday noon.