Typhoon Ompong has slightly weakened as it moves in a west-northwest direction at 25 kilometers per hour (km/h), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
It was last spotted at 160 km. west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
“Ompong” has a maximum sustained winds of up to 160 km/h near the center, and gustiness of up to 195 km/h. It was last eyed at 160 km. west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao and Benguet are still under tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) no. 3, while Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Group of Islands, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Aurora were placed under TCWS no. 2.
Stormy weather is expected over these areas, the weather bureau forecast.
Metro Manila, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Lubang Island and northern Quezon including Polillo Islands still under TCWS no. 1.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon enhanced by “Ompong” will bring gusty winds with occasional moderate to heavy rains over western Visayas and Mimaropa.
Scattered light to moderate, to at times heavy rains, will prevail over Bicol, eastern and central Visayas.
Residents of these areas, especially those living near river channels, low-lying areas and in mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides.
Fisherfolk are also advised not to venture out over the seaboards of areas under TCWS 1-3, and the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas. (Ma. Cristina Arayata, PNA)