Manila: Severe Tropical Storm Gardo, internationally known as Higos, is expected to weaken and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by the end of the day, as reported by the national weather bureau on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stated that the storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 115 kilometers per hour. As of 4 a.m., Gardo was positioned 1,280 kilometers east northeast of extreme northern Luzon, moving in a north-northwest direction at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour.
The weather bureau has indicated that Gardo is expected to remain distant from any landmass. Consequently, no wind signal has been raised over any part of the country. However, the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, will continue to bring strong to gale-force winds across most of Luzon.
Mariners are advised to exercise caution, as rough sea conditions are anticipated over the seaboard of Batanes. Small sea vessels, including all types of motorbancas, are urged to avoid venturing out to sea during this period.
Additionally, PAGASA has warned that the habagat will result in heavy rainfall across the regions of Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro, which may lead to potential flooding and landslides in these areas.
