'Isang' slows down, moves toward Isabela

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression "Isang" slowed down as it moves toward the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan, the state weather bureau reported before noon Tuesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that as of 10 a.m., the cyclone's center was estimated at 280 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour. It was moving west northwest at a slower pace of 13 kph.

The cyclone was expected to make landfall in Isabela province by Wednesday morning.

The weather bureau has raised public storm warning signal over provinces in Northern Luzon including Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Ifugao, Cagayan including Calayan Group of Islands, Babuyan Group of Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Mt. Province, Kalinga and Apayao.

PAGASA said the storm will enhance the southwest monsoon and bring light to moderate rains over Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Bicol region and Western Visayas.

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides," the weather bureau said.