MANILA -- While it weakened and slightly changed course, Typhoon Rosita (international name Yutu) continues to pose threat towards northern Luzon, the weather bureau said Monday.
In its 4 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Rosita" was last spotted 550 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
"Rosita", packs maximum sustained winds of up to 170 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 210 kph.
Moving west southwest at 15 kph, the typhoon is expected to make landfall over the Isabela-Aurora area on Tuesday morning.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is hoisted over Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quirino, Polillo Island, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya. These areas will experience stormy weather and winds of up to 61-120 kph within the next 24 hours.
TCWS No. 1 is also raised over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Batanes, Babuyan Group of Islands, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Northern Quezon , Rizal, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Bataan, Zambales, Cavite and Camarines Norte. These areas will experience winds of up to 30-60 kph within the next 36 hours.
PAGASA weather forecaster Ezra Bulquerin said Cordillera and Ilocos regions, the rest of Cagayan Valley and of Central Luzon and the provinces of Rizal and Camarines Norte will experience heavy rains with gusty winds due to "Rosita".
Metro Manila, the rest of Calabarzon and Bicol region will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the trough of the typhoon.
He also cautioned residents in these areas against possible flashfloods and landslides due to severe thunderstorms.
The western section of Central Luzon will have strong to gale force winds from northeast to northwest. The northern section of Mindanao, eastern section of Visayas and southern Luzon will have rough to very rough coastal waters.
Travel would be risky especially with all light sea craft and small fishing boats.
Maintaining its speed and direction, "Rosita" is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday. (PNA)
