'Santi' exits land, moving towards West Phl Sea

MANILA, Philippines - Storm warning signals were lowered in several areas as typhoon "Santi" weakened after crossing Central Luzon overnight, the state weather bureau said Saturday morning.

the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that as of 4 a.m. the eye of the typhoon was "in the vicinity of Iba, Zambales."

The typhoon was weaker, bearing maximum sustained wins of 120 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It has gathered speed, still moving west at 22 kph.

PAGASA said the typhoon was already heading towards the West Philippine Sea and was expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday morning.

Public storm warning signal number 3 was still raised over Zambales and Pangasinan while storm signal number 2 was hoisted over La Union, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga and Bataan.

The storm warning signal over Metro Manila has been lowered. It is now under signal number 1.

The other areas under signal number 1 were Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Nueva Viscaya, Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Ecija,
Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Lubang Island.

The estimated rainfall amount within the 400 kilometer diameter of the typhoon is from 7.5 - 25.0 mm per hour or heavy to intense.

PAGASA said areas under signal number 3 and 2 should be on alert against storm surges of up to four meters.

Landslide and flashfloods may also occur in these areas, as well as those placed under signal number 1, the weather bureau added.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) went on full alert even before the typhoon made landfall in Dingalan, Aurora on Friday night.

The NDRRMC has yet to issue reports of casualties and damages wrought by the typhoon.