Storm Signal No. 2 Raised in 7 Luzon Areas as Tropical Storm Kujira Nears

Storm Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over seven areas in Luzon due to Tropical Storm Kujira, locally named Maymay, bringing life-threatening winds and torrential rains to parts of the region, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday. Signal No. 2 is in effect over Ilocos Sur, the northern and central portions of La Union, the northwestern portion of Pangasinan, the southwestern portion of Abra, the western portion of Mountain Province, and the northwestern portion of Benguet, according to PAGASA’s 11 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin. Under Signal No. 2, gale-force winds are expected, posing a moderate threat to life and property. Meanwhile, Storm Signal No. 1 remains in effect over other parts of Luzon, including the rest of Pangasinan, Apayao, the rest of Abra, Kalinga, the rest of Mountain Province, Ifugao, the rest of Benguet, and mainland Cagayan. Signal No. 1 is also in effect over Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the northern portion of Zambales, the northern portion of Tarlac, the northern portion of Nueva Ecija, and the northern and central portions of Aurora. Under Signal No. 1, strong winds are expected, posing a minor threat to life and property. As of 10 a.m., Tropical Storm Kujira was located 185 kilometers west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, PAGASA said. The storm is expected to move eastward toward the country and may make landfall over Ilocos Sur or La Union by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning. It is then forecast to traverse Northern and Central Luzon on Thursday. Aside from strong winds, Tropical Storm Kujira is expected to bring torrential rains over La Union and Benguet. PAGASA warned of possible flooding and rain-induced landslides in affected areas. — Edg Adrian A. Eva