Tropical Depression 'Luis' Intensifies East of Philippines, Signal No. 1 Raised

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over parts of Bicol and Quezon as Tropical Depression Luis moved northwestward over the Philippine Sea on Sunday, Aug. 2. The signal is in effect over Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, and the northern portion of Camarines Sur, covering areas such as Caramoan, Presentacion, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, San Jose, Tigaon, and Calabanga. These areas may experience winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour, with minimal to minor impacts to life and property possible. PAGASA stated that the possibility of raising Signal No. 2 could not be ruled out. As of 10 a.m. Sunday, the center of Luis was located 400 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon. It had maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, with gusts of up to 70 kph. Luis was moving northwestward at 15 kph, with strong winds extending up to 150 kilometers from its center. PAGASA's latest forecast track indicates that Luis is expected to continue moving generally northwestward over the next 24 hours before turning east-northeastward for the remainder of the forecast period. Its center is anticipated to remain over the Philippine Sea. However, the weather bureau cautioned that a westward shift in the track could result in a close approach or landfall over Northern or Central Luzon, as the cyclone's track may still shift within the forecast confidence cone. Luis is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours while moving over the waters east of Central Luzon. It is likely to remain a tropical storm only briefly before weakening as it turns east-northeastward. It may be downgraded into a remnant low by Wednesday, August 5, before being absorbed into the circulation of Typhoon Dolphin. The southwest monsoon and the outer circulation of Luis may bring strong to gale-force gusts, particularly in exposed coastal and upland areas. On Sunday, these conditions may affect Marinduque, the southern portions of the Mindoro provinces, Romblon, mainland Masbate, Caluya Islands, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Camiguin, and Dinagat Islands. On Monday and Tuesday, strong to gale-force gusts may affect most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental. PAGASA has also issued a separate weather advisory for the rainfall expected from Luis and the southwest monsoon.