Super typhoon Henry (international name: Hinnamnor) continues to decelerate as it slowly moves over the Philippine sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday evening, Sept. 1.
The center of the eye of Henry was last spotted 380 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 230 kph. It is moving southward at 10 kph.
Despite the further deceleration, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1 remained hoisted over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands. Residents of these areas were advised to be vigilant against the hazards that the weather disturbance may bring including isolated to scattered flooding and rain-induced landslides.
“Strong winds will be experienced within any of the areas where wind signal no. 1 is currently in effect. The potential for hoisting Signal No. 2 is also not ruled out,” said PAGASA in its 11 p.m. bulletin.
Brace for moderate to heavy rains
Apart from flooding and landslides, the state weather bureau alerted residents of Batanes and Babuyan Islands against moderate to heavy rains in the next 24-hour period. Residents of Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Cagayan, on the other hand, were told to prepare against light to moderate with at times heavy rains.
These rainfall scenarios may continue until Saturday, Sept. 3, said PAGASA.
Henry is expected to continue decelerating and may become “almost stationary” on Friday, Sept. 2. It may exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Saturday evening, Sept. 3 or Sunday morning, Sept. 4.