TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Tropical Storm ‘Isang’ (international name “Hato”) slightly slowed down but has retained its strength and direction, moving west-northwest at 15 kph from 17 kph, the state weather agency reported.
In their 2 pm update on Monday, August 21, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) now located Isang’s center at approximately 255 km east of Basco, Batanes.
Isang still has maximum sustained winds of 80 kph and gustiness of up to 97 kph. This has significantly increased from 65 kph sustained winds and 80 kph gustiness this morning.
Estimated moderate to occasionally heavy rains are expected within the 300 km diameter of the tropical storm.
Batanes remained under signal no. 2 while Babuyan group of Islands also remained at signal no. 1. It has since intensified at 11 am on Monday and now has a higher chance to make landfall in Batanes, reports stated.
Isang will “enhance the southwest monsoon which may bring light to moderate with possible occasionally heavy rains,” PAGASA stated. Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Visayas will also expect rainfall.
Local disaster risk reduction management councils are still on high alert as coastal areas may experience storm surge. Flights from Basco to Manila and vice-versa have also been cancelled.
Isang is expected to be at its closest to Batanes tonight or tomorrow morning, August 22 where it is predicted to be 195 km west of Basco. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Tuesday night or on Wednesday, August 23. Northernforum.net
