MANILA – Areas in northern and central Luzon will experience moderate to heavy rains and fierce winds beginning Monday night as Typhoon Rosita (international name "Yutu") approaches the country’s landmass.
In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said ‘Rosita’ was last spotted 310 kilometers east northeast of Casiguran, Aurora.
“Rosita” is packing maximum sustained winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 185 kph.
Moving west at 15 kph, the typhoon is expected to hit the southern Isabela-northern Aurora area on Tuesday morning.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 3 is raised over Isabela, Quirino, Northern Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya, and Ifugao. TCWS No. 2 is hoisted over Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Northern Quezon including Polillo Island, Southern Aurora, Zambales, Pampanga and Bulacan.
Areas under TCWS No. 1 include Southern Quezon, Batanes and Babuyan group of Islands, Rizal, Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Bataan, Cavite, and Camarines Norte.
PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio cautioned residents in northern and central Luzon, especially those living near river channels, low-lying areas and mountainous areas against possible flooding and landslides.
He added that storm surge of up to 3 meters is possible over the coastal areas of Isabela, Cagayan, Aurora, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and La Union.
“Rosita” is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday evening. (PNA)
