“Amang” to weaken as it nears landmass

CEBU, Philippines - Tropical storm Amang is expected to weaken as it nears the landmass in Eastern Samar.

In its forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also said the weather disturbance may re-curve and would miss a landfall.

It is, however, expected to bring cloudiness and intense rain within its 300-kilometer radius. The weather bureau also said that there is still a possibility that public storm warning signal will be hoisted over Eastern Visayas specifically northern Samar, as well as in Catanduanes and Camarines Norte.

Based on the 5 p.m. weather bulletin released by PAGASA, tropical storm “Amang” was estimated at 765 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour. It is expected to move west northwest at 19 kilometers per hour.

In a special weather bulletin issued by PAGASA Visayas through director Oscar Tabada, Sinulog 2015 will be cloudy with chances of rains.

With this, those who intend to take part in the religious and festival activities for Fiesta Senyor and Sinulog Festival are advised to prepare necessary rain gears such as umbrella or cap.

Today, January 16, the penitential Walk with Mary from Fuente Osmena to Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino at 4:30 a.m. will be windy as Tabada sees a generally sunny and cloudy Friday with winds up to 20 to 30 kilometers per hour.

A Holy Mass inside the Basilica after the penitential Walk with Mary precedes the Traslacion of the images of Sto. Nino and Our Lady of Guadalupe from the Basilica to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.

It is also expected to be cloudy on Saturday during the fluvial procession. The Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday is also expected to be cloudy with light to moderate rains. (FREEMAN)