‘Ramon’ intensifies before landfall

Tropical storm “Ramon” (international name Kalmaegi) intensified and is expected to bring further rains to Luzon as it makes landfall today in the northeastern tip of the country, according to state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin yesterday, the eye of “Ramon” was estimated by Pagasa at 160 kilometers (km) east northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and is moving west northwest at 10 kilometers per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

Light to moderate rainfall with occasional heavy rains is expected today over Northern Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Batanes, Apayao and Ilocos Norte, while light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains is likewise expected over Isabela, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Sur and the rest of Cagayan.

“Ramon” is forecast to be 15 km north northeast of Aparri, Cagayan and will be located 220 km west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan by Wednesday while moving outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 165 km west of Pagasa Island, Palawan by Thursday with gradually weakened signals.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 2 is hoisted over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte, while Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1 is raised over Batanes, the rest of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Northern Aurora and the rest of Isabela.

Residents in the aforementioned areas, especially those living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to flooding and rain-induced landslides, are advised to take appropriate actions, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices and continue monitoring for updates.

Meanwhile, the low-pressure area being monitored outside the PAR was estimated at 1,605 km east of Eastern Visayas. This weather disturbance is forecast to enter the PAR within 24 hours and is being monitored for potential tropical cyclone development.