Super Typhoon Inday Intensifies
phhoto courtesy PAGASA
Daily Tribunephhoto courtesy PAGASA
Super Typhoon Inday has slightly intensified as it continues moving west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Northern Luzon.
As of 10:00 a.m., the eye of the super typhoon was located 1,270 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour, gusts of up to 240 kph, and moving west-northwest at 20 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect over Batanes, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Kalinga, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and portions of Aurora, Catanduanes, Quirino, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Abra, where winds of 39 to 61 kph may bring minimal to minor impacts.
PAGASA said the highest wind signal that may be raised during Inday's passage is Signal No. 2 or Signal No. 3.
Although the cyclone is still far from land, its circulation is already enhancing the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), bringing strong to gale-force gusts over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, CALABARZON, most of MIMAROPA, the Bicol Region, most of the Visayas, and most of Mindanao today. By Thursday and Friday, these gusty conditions are expected to affect most of the country.
A Gale Warning has also been issued over the eastern seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon and the Visayas. Very rough to rough seas, with waves reaching up to 4.5 meters, are expected over the eastern coasts of Isabela, northern Aurora, northern and eastern Catanduanes, and Eastern Samar. Sea travel remains risky, and mariners are advised to stay in port or seek safe harbor.
PAGASA forecasts Inday to continue moving west-northwest before turning northwest over the Philippine Sea. It is expected to pass closest to Extreme Northern Luzon on Friday (July 10), exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday (July 11), and make landfall over eastern mainland China on Sunday (July 12).
The weather bureau also warned that heavy rainfall and strong winds may still affect areas outside the forecast track and urged the public to monitor the latest advisories and follow instructions from local authorities.