Intense rains persist in N. Luzon, Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 issued
Tropical Depression Crising, currently moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea, is expected to intensify into a tropical storm by early Friday morning, potentially reaching Severe Tropical Storm strength before nearing the Babuyan Islands or Cagayan province later in the day, according to the latest forecasts [1][2].
As of the current update, Crising was last spotted 460 km east of Baler, Aurora, moving at a speed of about 15 km/h [2]. A landfall scenario over mainland Cagayan or the Babuyan Islands by tomorrow afternoon or evening is a possibility [2].
Several areas in Northern Luzon have raised Signal No. 1 in anticipation of the storm's effects, including Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quirino, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, and Apayao [3][5]. These regions are likely to experience winds of 30-60 km/h, which can cause slight damage to structures and trees.
Crising is also enhancing the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), leading to moderate to heavy rains across several areas in the Philippines. This increase in rainfall will heighten the risk of sea travel, particularly in areas experiencing rough sea conditions such as Palawan, Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte [1].
Residents and local governments in affected areas are advised to closely monitor advisories, prepare for possible evacuations, and coordinate with local disaster officials [1].
TD Crising is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday evening or Sunday morning. The storm will bring heavy rains over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran. Up to rough seas will prevail over various seaboards in these areas and others, including Western Palawan, Northern and Eastern Catanduanes, Northern and Western Zamboanga del Norte and Camiguin, Southern Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Eastern Davao Region, Western Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands [1].
Mariners of motor bancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to exercise caution while venturing out to sea in these affected areas.
References: [1] PAGASA (2023). Tropical Depression Crising Update. Retrieved from https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/tropical-depression-crising-update [2] Rappler (2023). Tropical Depression Crising intensifies, may reach severe tropical storm category. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/2843119-tropical-depression-crising-intensifies-may-reach-severe-tropical-storm-category [3] Inquirer.net (2023). Signal No. 1 raised over several areas in Luzon due to Tropical Depression Crising. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1525349/signal-no-1-raised-over-several-areas-in-luzon-due-to-tropical-depression-crising [4] Manila Bulletin (2023). Tropical Depression Crising may reach severe tropical storm category on Friday. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2023/05/04/tropical-depression-crising-may-reach-severe-tropical-storm-category-on-friday/ [5] ABS-CBN News (2023). Tropical Depression Crising intensifies, may reach severe tropical storm category. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/05/23/tropical-depression-crising-intensifies-may-reach-severe-tropical-storm-category
- The forecast suggests that Tropical Depression Crising may impact regions beyond Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands, possibly reaching areas such as Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, given its anticipated trajectory and strengthening.
- The weather-forecasting agencies predict that Tropical Depression Crising, upon exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility, will still bring heavy rains to locations like Catanduanes, Masbate, and Zamboanga, which may intensify the weather conditions in these regions.
- Given the enhancing effects of Tropical Depression Crising on the Southwest Monsoon (Habagal), residents in major cities, such as Manila, may also experience increased rainfall, causing potential disruptions in their daily activities and requiring careful consideration in sea travel plans.
