Tropical Depression Luis Approaches Luzon, Signal No. 1 Raised in Six Areas

Storm Signal No. 1 was hoisted over six areas in Luzon due to Tropical Depression (TD) Luis, bringing strong winds and torrential rains as heavy rainfall warnings were raised in several areas, according to the state weather bureau on Monday. Areas under Signal No. 1 include Isabela, Quirino, the central and eastern portions of Cagayan, and the eastern and southern portions of Apayao, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. advisory. The wind signal is also in effect over the eastern portions of Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao, as well as the northern portion of Aurora. PAGASA said strong winds associated with Tropical Depression Luis may pose a minimal to minor threat to life and property in the affected areas. As of 10 a.m., the center of Luis was estimated at 165 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph), gusts of up to 55 kph, and moving northward at 15 kph. The weather bureau said Luis is expected to move generally northwestward and may make landfall or pass close to Northern Luzon tonight or early Tuesday before turning east-northeastward away from the Philippine landmass. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall warnings were raised in nearly 20 areas due to the effects of Tropical Depression Luis from Monday to Tuesday noon, PAGASA said. A red rainfall warning was issued for Pangasinan, where more than 200 millimeters (mm) of rain are forecast. 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 100 to 200 mm of rainfall are 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 50 to 100 mm of rain, which could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in susceptible areas. Luis is forecast to remain a tropical depression for most of the forecast period before weakening into a remnant low by Wednesday and eventually being absorbed by Tropical Cyclone Dolphin. PAGASA also warned that the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Luis, may bring strong to gale-force wind gusts over most of Luzon and the Visayas through Tuesday, with the winds expected to expand to most parts of the country by Wednesday. — Edg Adrian A. Eva