PAGASA: TD 'Emong' may traverse Batanes-Babuyan Islands

Tropical depression "Emong" has slightly intensified while over the Philippine Sea on Sunday afternoon, July 4.
In its 5 p.m. severe weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Emong has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
Its location was estimated at 780 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes at around 4 p.m.
Should it maintain its north-northwestward track at 25 kph, PAGASA said Emong may traverse Batanes-Babuyan Islands between Monday evening, July 5, and Tuesday morning, July 6.
Tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains hoisted over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga) including Babuyan Islands. These areas may experience strong winds during the passage of Emong.
PAGASA also warned that Emong may bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands from Monday evening until Tuesday afternoon.
"Under these conditions and considering antecedent rainfall, scattered flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides are highly likely, especially in areas with high or very high susceptibility to these hazards as identified in hazard maps," PAGASA said.
"Adjacent or nearby areas may also experience flooding in the absence of such rainfall occurrence due to surface runoff or swelling of river channels," it added.
PAGASA said Emong may intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours before passing over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Moreover, Signal No. 2 will likely be the highest possible tropical cyclone wind signal that will be raised over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Emong will likely weaken into a tropical depression by Tuesday afternoon and remnant low by Wednesday, July 7.
Meanwhile, the combined effects of a low pressure area and southwest monsoon or habagat may bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Central Luzon, Bicol, Visayas, and Mindanao in the next 24 hours.
PAGASA warned against possible flash floods or landslides during moderate to at times heavy rains.