Tropical Depression Luis Makes Landfall in Isabela; Heavy Rains, Strong Winds Warned Across Philippines

Tropical Depression Luis made landfall over Maconacon, Isabela, on Monday afternoon, while Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 and heavy rainfall warnings remain in effect in several areas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). “At 5:30 p.m. today, Aug. 3, Tropical Depression Luis made landfall over Maconacon, Isabela,” PAGASA said in a tropical cyclone update released less than an hour ago. Prior to the landfall, PAGASA hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over 10 areas in Luzon due to the tropical depression. These include the central and eastern portions of Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands; Isabela; Quirino; the eastern and southern portions of Apayao; and the eastern portion of Kalinga. The warning is also in effect over the eastern portion of Mountain Province, the eastern portion of Ifugao, and the northern portion of Aurora. PAGASA warned that strong winds from Luis may pose a minimal to minor threat to life and property in affected areas. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall warnings were raised over nearly 20 areas due to the effects of Tropical Depression Luis from Monday to Tuesday afternoon, PAGASA said in its 5:00 p.m. weather advisory. A red rainfall warning was issued for Pangasinan, where torrential rains of more than 200 millimeters (mm) are expected. PAGASA warned of widespread severe flooding and landslides in the province. An orange rainfall warning was raised over La Union, Tarlac, Zambales, and Bataan, where intense rainfall of between 100 mm and 200 mm is expected, posing a high risk of flooding and landslides. A yellow rainfall warning was hoisted over Ilocos Sur, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bulacan, Isabela, Pampanga, Metro Manila, Cavite, and Batangas. These areas may receive heavy rainfall of 50 mm to 100 mm, which could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in susceptible areas. Following its landfall, Tropical Depression Luis is expected to make a sharp turn toward the east-northeast and move away from the country’s landmass, PAGASA said. However, it noted that the forecast track remains highly uncertain and may change in succeeding bulletins. Luis is likely to remain a tropical depression for most of its forecast period before weakening into a remnant low by Wednesday and eventually being absorbed by Tropical Cyclone Dolphin (international name). — Edg Adrian A. Eva