Storm alerts lowered as 'Ruby' weakens further

MANILA, Philippines - After falling to storm category, tropical cyclone "Ruby" (international name Hagupit) weakened further on Monday afternoon, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that "Ruby" made its fourth landfall in the coastal village of Laiya in San Juan Batangas province at around 5:45 p.m.

From the super typhoon category, "Ruby" weakened further packing only maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 100 kph as of 4 p.m.

The storm's eye was estimated at 15 kilometers southeast of Laiya. It was moving west northwest at 13 kph.

PAGASA said that the storm's forecast position by Tuesday afternoon is 240 kilometers west of Quezon City and 590 kilometers west of Quezon City by Wednesdasy afternoon.

It is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday night.

Public storm warning signals in several areas have been lowered.

Only public storm warning signal number 2 remains hoisted over Metro Manila, Batangas, Cavite, Bataan, Laguna, Southern Quezon, Marinduque and Northern Oriental Mindoro including Lubang Island.

"These areas will have stormy weather. Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living along the coast are warned on the occurrence of big waves associated with Storm Surge which may reach up to 1 meter," PAGASA said.

Public storm warning signal number 1 is hoisted oer Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, Rizal, Rest of Quezon, Rest of Mindoro Provinces and Romblon.