TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Tropical Storm ‘Isang’ (international name “Hato”) continues to move west northwest at 17 kph as it maintains it strength.
At 7 am on Monday, August 21, Isang’s center was located approximately 275 km east of Basco, Batanes, according to state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA reported that Isang has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. Isang will bring in an estimated moderate to occasionally heavy rains within the 300 km diameter of the tropical storm.
Tropical Cyclone Signal no. 2 has been raised in Batanes group of Islands while Babuyan group of Islands remains at Signal no. 1. Storm surge is also possible at coastal areas.
Isang will “enhance the southwest monsoon which may bring light to moderate with possible occasionally heavy rains,” PAGASA said. It will also affect parts of the country such as Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Visayas.
Local disaster risk reduction management councils are now on high alert and are advised to monitor PAGASA’s update at 11 am.
Tomorrow morning, August 22, Isang is expected to be 180 km West of Basco and is predicted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday, August 23. Northernforum.net
