Intense rain seen as Maymay makes landfall today

MANILA, Philippines — Most parts of Luzon will experience intense rain as Tropical Depression Maymay is expected to make landfall over Aurora or Quezon either this afternoon or tonight, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA yesterday hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Aurora, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino as well as the extreme northern portion of Quezon.

Moderate to heavy to at times intense rain is expected over Apayao, Batanes, Cagayan and northern portion of Isabela.

Maymay will dump light to moderate to at times heavy rain over Abra, Aurora, Ilocos Norte, the rest of Isabela, Kalinga and Mountain Province.

PAGASA warned of possible scattered to widespread floods and rain-induced landslides, especially in areas classified as geohazard zones.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, Maymay was spotted 265 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

It was forecast to move slowly westward before gradually accelerating toward Central Luzon.

Maymay was expected to maintain its strength before making landfall over Aurora or the northern portion of Quezon.

The tropical depression will traverse the Central Luzon landmass before emerging over the West Philippine Sea tomorrow.

Maymay was forecast to weaken into a low-pressure area due to friction as it crosses over the terrain.