Tropical cyclone wind signal number 2 was hoisted over Batanes province as typhoon Henry (international name: Hinnamnor) remained almost stationary over the Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Friday, Sept. 2.
Meanwhile, the Babuyan Islands and Santa Ana town in Cagayan province remained under Signal No. 1.
In the 11 a.m. bulletin of the PAGASA, Henry’s location was estimated at 365 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
It has further weakened and is now packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.
PAGASA said winds may reach gale-force strength in Batanes where Signal no. 2 was hoisted, while strong winds—strong breeze to near gale strength—will be experienced Babuyan Islands and northeastern portion of Cagayan province where Signal no. 1 is currently in effect.
Moreover, moderate to heavy with, at times, intense rains may prevail over the Ilocos Region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, and Abra.
Light to moderate with, at times, heavy rains are also possible in Cagayan.
“Under these conditions, isolated to scattered flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides are possible especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps, and in localities with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA warned.
In the next 24 hours, the southwest monsoon or “habagat” enhanced by Henry may also bring rains to Isabela, the western portion of Central Luzon, and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region.
PAGASA said Henry may continue to move slowly northwestward before gradually speeding up northward in the next few hours.
The typhoon will likely leave the country’s area of responsibility by Saturday evening, Sept. 3, or Sunday morning, Sept. 4.