PAGASA may raise Signal No. 1 over extreme northern Luzon due to ‘Hanna’

MANILA, Philippines — State weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday it might raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over extreme northern Luzon due to Severe Tropical Storm Hanna (international name: Lekima).

Areas in extreme northern Luzon may be placed under TCWS No. 1 between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning if “Hannah” maintains its track.

The severe tropical storm was last seen 780 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 100 km per hour and gusts of 125 kph.

At 10 kph, “Hanna” is moving north northwest, heading toward Taiwan.

The weather disturbance is expected to intensify into a typhoon within 24 hours but it remains less likely to make landfall. It may leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday.

“Hanna” and the low pressure area off the waters of Iba, Zambales are boosting the southwest monsoon or habagat, which is affecting most parts of Luzon and Visayas.

Residents of Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zambales and Bataan will experience moderate to heavy monsoon rains.

Meanwhile, cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms will affect Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol, Calabarzon, rest of Central Luzon and rest of Visayas.

Sea travel remains risky over the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas and the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao.

PAGASA said the LPA over the West Philippine Sea might not develop into a tropical cyclone and will eventually dissipate.

The tropical storm with the international name “Krosa” is also not expected to enter PAR. — Gaea Katreena Cabico