'Emong' may pass close or make landfall over Batanes, Babuyan Islands this afternoon or evening -- PAGASA

Tropical depression "Emong" has maintained its strength while it continues to move closer towards the extreme northern Luzon area, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday morning, July 5.
As of 7 a.m., tropical depression Emong was located at 385 kilometers (km) east-northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan or 385 km east of Aparri, Cagayan.
It is moving west-northwest at 40 kph, maintaining its maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
PAGASA said the center of the tropical depression will pass close or make landfall in the vicinity of Batanes-Babuyan Islands area Monday afternoon or evening.
But due to the fast movement of the tropical depression, there is an increasing chance that the close approach or landfall will happen at a much earlier time.
PAGASA said Emong may begin to bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands today.
"Under these conditions and considering antecedent rainfall, isolated to scattered flash flooding 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 warned.
"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.
Tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains hoisted over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Cagayan, particularly Santa Ana and Gonzaga, including Babuyan Islands.
These areas may experience strong winds during the passage of tropical depression Emong.
"However, the projected track and intensity suggests the possibility of hoisting tropical cyclone wind signal number 2 over portions of the localities presently under Signal 1," PAGASA said.
While Emong may intensify into a tropical storm in the next 12 hours, its intensification is being deterred by its fast movement.
"After passing in the vicinity of extreme northern Luzon as a tropical storm, Emong may weaken into a tropical depression due to its interaction with the rugged terrain of southern Taiwan," PAGASA said.
Emong may likely exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Tuesday morning, July 6.