MANILA – Typhoon Betty has slightly weakened and is now moving west northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of northern Luzon, according to the 5 p.m. update of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday.
The center of the eye of was estimated based on all available data at 630 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, the northern and central portions of Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Lagayan, San Juan, Lagangilang, Licuan-Baay, Malibcong, Danglas, La Paz, Dolores, Tayum, Bucay, Sallapadan, Daguioman, Bucloc, Boliney), Kalinga, the eastern and central portions of Mountain Province (Sadanga, Barlig, Natonin, Paracelis, Bontoc), the eastern and central portions of Ifugao (Mayoyao, Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue, Hingyon, Lagawe, Lamut, Kiangan, Asipulo), the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao), Quirino, and the northeastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Kasibu, Quezon, Solano, Bagabag, Diadi, Villaverde, Bayombong, Ambaguio).
Minimal to minor impacts caused by strong winds (i.e., strong breeze to near gale strength) are possible within any of the areas where Signal No.1 is in effect.
PAGASA said Betty will move west northwestward or northwestward for the next 36 hours while gradually decelerating. The typhoon will likely become slow-moving to almost stationary by Tuesday while over the waters east of Batanes. It will then move northward or north northeastward by mid Wednesday towards the sea east of Taiwan.
It may be downgraded to Severe Tropical Storm category on Thursday. (PNA)
