Severe Tropical Storm Crising has moved out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Saturday, July 19, but the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that strong monsoon winds and rough sea conditions will continue to affect large parts of the country.

“Kaninang 11 a.m. ay tuluyan nang lumabas sa ating Philippine Area of Responsibility itong si Severe Tropical Storm na si Crising at sa kasalukuyan ay patuloy pq itong lumalayo sa ating bansa (At 11 a.m. today, Severe Tropical Storm Crising officially exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility and is currently continuing to move farther away from the country),” PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo reported.

The state weather bureau said Crising was located 345 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes as of 4 p.m., packing sustained winds of 100 kph and gusts up to 125 kph while moving west northwest at 20 kph.

“Crising is forecast to move generally west northwestward over the next 24 hours before turning westward to west southwestward towards southern China for the rest of the forecast period,” the agency stated.

“Crising is forecast to continue to intensify and may reach Typhoon category prior to close approach to Hong Kong,” it added.

Despite its exit, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon will continue to bring hazardous conditions across several regions, especially in coastal and upland areas.

“The Southwest Monsoon will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds): Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Visayas, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Benguet, Abra, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands,” it said.

It added that similar conditions are expected to persist through Sunday and Monday in most parts of Luzon and Visayas.

While storm surge threats have subsided, PAGASA warned that “wind driven waves may still affect low-lying coastal communities.”

The agency said a gale warning remains raised over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon. 

According to PAGASA, sea travel remains risky, especially for small vessels and motorbancas.

“Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. All mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside,” it said.

PAGASA said very rough seas with wave heights of up to 4.5 meters are expected along the seaboards of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and parts of Ilocos Norte, while other coastal areas may experience rough to moderate sea conditions.

“Mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels,” the agency warned.