PAGASA: Chedeng will not affect Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu will continue to experience rainshowers but this is not due to Tropical Storm Chedeng, which will not affect Cebu in general.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration weather forecaster Alexander Padin said that rainshowers in Cebu is only normal and not because of the tropical storm.

“Cebu will not be affected but we will experience rainshowers. Chedeng does not influence much in the Philippines. Local ra ni ang pag-uwan-uwan nato,” Padin explained.

According to the weather bureau, as of 2 p.m. yesterday, Chedeng was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 720 kilometers East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (11.4°N, 133.2°E) with maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kilometers per hour.

It is forecast to move West Northwest at 15 kph.

PAGASA added that this morning, the said weather disturbance is expected to be at 540 km East Northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar and 360 km East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes by Wednesday morning.

Chedeng is expected to be at 265 km North Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or 250 km East of Casiguran, Aurora by Thursday morning.

Chedeng (international name Songda) is moving closer to the country, Robert Sawi, PAGASA weather branch chief, said yesterday. It is expected to intensify into a typhoon in the next 24 hours, he added.

Speaking to reporters, Sawi said the storm will start dumping rains over the eastern section of the country beginning Wednesday, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

“Chedeng is so far the strongest tropical cyclone to enter the country this year,” he said.

He warned fishermen against venturing into the seas in Visayas and Mindanao.

Big waves are expected to prevail over these areas, he added.

Graciano Yumul, PAGASA supervising undersecretary, said Chedeng will continue to gather strength while over the Pacific Ocean.

“Chedeng could still intensify into a super typhoon,” he said.

Yumul said everybody should prepare as the whole country is expected to experience rains and strong winds due to the storm.

“The eastern seaboard will be directly affected by the storm but it will also enhance the southwest monsoon which will bring rains over the western seaboard… the western seaboard will be extremely wet from Wednesday to Friday,” he said.

Yumul said the storm could dump up to 20 to 55 millimeters per hour of rainfall, which is close to the 56 mm per hour rainfall brought by tropical storm “Ondoy” in September 2009.

Moderate to heavy rains will be felt by residents in the eastern seaboard particularly in the provinces of Samar and Negros starting tomorrow, he added.

Yumul said Chedeng is expected to make landfall over Cagayan-Isabela area on Friday, if it maintains its speed and direction.

Residents in Metro Manila and Central Luzon will also experience moderate to heavy rains starting Thursday night to Friday, he added. (FREEMAN)