Track and intensity forecast of Typhoon Betty (PAGASA image)
MANILA – Typhoon Betty (international name Mawar) is forecast to bring strong winds across parts of Northern Luzon and other areas in the country due to the enhanced southwest monsoon, the weather bureau said Wednesday.
In its latest tropical cyclone bulletin issued at 5 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said minor to moderate impacts caused by gale-force winds may be experienced in Batanes, where Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 remains hoisted.
Betty has further weakened as it moves slowly over the sea east of Batanes.
Strong winds will prevail as TCWS No. 1 is still hoisted over Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), the northern and eastern portions of Isabela (Santo Tomas, Santa Maria, Quezon, San Mariano, Dinapigue, Delfin Albano, San Pablo, Ilagan City, Benito Soliven, Tumauini, Cabagan, Palanan, Quirino, Divilacan, Gamu, Maconacon, Naguilian, and Mallig), the eastern portion of Ilocos Norte (Piddig, Bangui, Vintar, Marcos, Pagudpud, Banna, Adams, Carasi, Dingras, Solsona, Dumalneg, and Nueva Era), Apayao, the northern portion of Kalinga (City of Tabuk, Balbalan, Pinukpuk, and Rizal), and the northeastern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lacub, and Malibcong).
PAGASA said the enhanced southwest monsoon will bring occasional to frequent wind gusts over the Bicol region, Western Visayas, Aurora, Quezon, the northern portion of mainland Palawan (including Calamian and Cuyo Islands), the Mindoro provinces, Romblon, and the remaining areas of the Ilocos and Cordillera regions that are not under any TCWS.
The southwest monsoon enhanced by Betty will also cause rough to high seas over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon.
Mariners are advised to remain in port or take shelter in port until winds and waves subside as this sea condition is risky for all types of sea vessels.
Rough to very rough seas will prevail over the seaboards of Southern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of the Visayas.
PAGASA cautioned fishing boats and other small sea vessels against venturing into the sea, and larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.
Meanwhile, Betty has weakened, now packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
It was last tracked 320 km. east of Itbayat, Batanes, and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility either late Thursday or early Friday. (PNA)
