Weather disturbance “Jolina” has intensified into a tropical storm, and tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 2 has been hoisted over some areas in Samar, the weather bureau said on Monday.
In its 6 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Jolina” packs maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometer per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It was last seen 95 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
TCWS No. 2 has been hoisted over Eastern Samar, eastern portion of Northern Samar (Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Laoang, Catubig, Las Navas, Pambujan), and northeastern portion of Samar (Matuguinao).
PAGASA said these areas may experience damaging gale-force winds with moderate to heavy, to at times, intense rains will be experienced over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Sorsogon.
Moderate to heavy rains also likely over Bicol Region and the rest of the Visayas. Isolated to scattered flash flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas susceptible to these hazards, it added.
The following areas were put under TCWS No. 1: eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Calabanga, Bombon, Magarao, Canaman, Camaligan, Gainza, Naga City, Milaor, Pili, Minalabac, Bula, Balatan, Nabua, Bato, Iriga City, Buhi, Baao, Ocampo, Sagñay, Tigaon, Goa, Tinambac, Siruma, Lagonoy, San Jose, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Caramoan, San Fernando), Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon.
Also under TCWS No. 1 are Biliran, the eastern portion of Leyte (Babatngon, San Miguel, Barugo, Alangalang, Tacloban City, Palo, Santa Fe, Pastrana, Dagami, Tanauan, Tabontabon, Tolosa, Dulag, Julita, Mayorga, Macarthur, Abuyog, Javier, La Paz, Burauen, Calubian, Leyte, Capoocan, Carigara, Jaro, Kananga, Ormoc City), the eastern portion of Southern Leyte (Silago, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Anahawan), the rest of Samar, and the rest of Northern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao Islands, and Bucas Grande Islands.
Strong breeze to near gale conditions with occasional gusts are expected in those areas.
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon may experience isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, “Jolina” will continue to cause moderate to rough seas over the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao.
PAGASA said mariners of small seacraft should take precautionary measures when venturing out to the sea.
Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas, according to PAGASA’s forecast.
Source: Philippines News Agency
