Severe tropical story Siony is forecast to make landfall or make a close approach in the vicinity of Batanes at around 5 a.m., Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In a tropical cyclone warning issued at 2 a.m. on Friday, November 6, PAGASA said “Siony” was moving west-northwestward, and was forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Friday afternoon or evening.
“It will then turn southwestward (Saturday) morning over the sea to the southwest of Taiwan and moved over the West Philippine Sea towards the Paracel Islands area on Sunday,” PAGASA said.
It also said “Siony” was forecast to “either maintain its current strength or slightly intensify to 110 km/h within the next 24 hours”.
Beyond that 24-hour window, PAGASA said the storm was forecast to significantly weaken, and may be downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday.
Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 are currently experiencing damaging gale-to storm-force winds, while those under Signal No. 1 are experiencing strong breeze to hear gale conditions.
PAGASA also said that “Siony” will bring moderate to heavy rains in areas where signal no. 2 is up, and light to moderate, with at times heavy rains, over places where signal no. 1 is up.
The weather agency also warned flooding and rain-induced landslides, which may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.
Residents in Batanes and Babuyan Islands were also advised of “minimal to moderate risk of storm surge of 1.0 to 2.0 meters” over the coastal areas of these places.