Signal No. 1 still up over Batanes; monsoon rains to persist amid typhoon-enhanced 'habagat' -- PAGASA


(PAGASA)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday afternoon, July 23, lifted Signal No. 1 in Babuyan Islands as typhoon "Fabian" (international name "In-fa") traverses the southern islands of Japan.

However, PAGASA said Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes as the area may continue to experience rains and gusty winds due to Fabian.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin issued on Friday, PAGASA estimated the center of the eye of typhoon "Fabian" at 540 kilometers (km) northeast of Itbayat, Batanes around 4 p.m.

It maintained its maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph while moving west-northwest at 10 kph. It will likely leave the Philippine area of responsibility within the day.

PAGASA said Fabian keeps pulling the southwest monsoon or "habagat" into the country, which may again cause scattered to widespread monsoon rains over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and the northern portion of Palawan including Calamian Islands in the next 24 hours.

Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms may also affect Metro Manila, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and the rest of Luzon.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will have isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned against possible flash floods or rain-induced landslides during heavy or prolonged rainfall, particularly in areas that are highly susceptible to these hazards.

Occasional gusty conditions associated with the enhanced southwest monsoon will also prevail over Visayas and the rest of Luzon, especially in the coastal and upland areas.

PAGASA said Fabian will move generally north-northwest in the next 36 hours and northwest by Sunday afternoon, July 25, before making landfall over the eastern portion of mainland China on Sunday evening or early Monday morning, July 26.

The typhoon may reach its peak intensity of 155 kph by Saturday afternoon, July 24, then begin to gradually weaken by Sunday.