THE Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Typhoon FALCON will bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western portion of Luzon in the next three days.
In an 11pm advisory by the weather bureau it said forecast rainfall are generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas. Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are expected especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazard as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days.
Severe Winds
The hoisting of Wind Signal due to FALCON over any locality in the country remains unlikely based on the current forecast scenario. However, the enhanced Southwest Monsoon will bring gusty conditions over the following areas, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds:
• Today and tomorrow: Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Lubang Island, Kalayaan Islands, Cuyo Islands, Romblon, the northwestern portion of Antique, Camarines Sur, and Albay
• Tuesday: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, the central and southern portions of Aurora, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, and most of Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas
• Wednesday: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, the western portion of Northern Samar, and most of Western Visayas
HAZARDS AFFECTING COASTAL WATERS
Under the influence of the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, a Gale Warning is in effect over several coastal waters along the western seaboard of Luzon. Sea travel is risky for small seacrafts. For larger vessels, operating in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels. Mariners without proper experience or operating ill-equipped vessels are advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor. For more information, refer to Gale Warning #16 issued at 5:00 PM today.
TRACK AND INTENSITY OUTLOOK
• Over the Philippine Sea, FALCON is forecast to move north northwestward tonight through tomorrow morning, then turn northwestward for the rest of tomorrow. On the track forecast, the typhoon may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between tomorrow late evening and Tuesday morning. Outside the PAR region, FALCON will turn west northwestward and pass very close (landfall not ruled out) over Okinawa Islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago while gradually decelerating. The typhoon will be over the East China Sea on Wednesday.
• FALCON is forecast to continue intensifying over the next 3 days and may reach its peak intensity on Wednesday while over the East China Sea.
Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. For heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm/rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local PAGASA Regional Services Division.
