'Bagyong Isang' PAGASA weather update August 21, 2017

MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Isang' (international name: Hato) has maintained its strength, speed and direction as it moves in the general direction of extreme Northern Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 5:00 p.m. bulletin on Monday, August 21.

Photo Credit: PAGASA-DOST

PAGASA said this weather system will enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) which may bring light to moderate with possible occasionally heavy rains over Metro Manila, Ilocos, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Visayas.

At 4:00 p.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm "Isang" was estimated based on all available data at 170 km East of Basco, Batanes (20.5 °N, 123.6 °E).

"Isang" has maximum sustained winds of 80 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 97 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 15 kph.

Forecast Positions:

• 24 Hour( Tomorrow afternoon): 255 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(21.3°N, 119.7°E)
• 48 Hour(Wednesday afternoon):865 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(22.7°N, 114.0°E)
• 72 Hour(Thursday afternoon): 1,330 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(25.0°N, 110.0°E)

Photo Credit: PAGASA-DOST

Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 2 (61-120 kph expected in 24 hrs) was raised over Batanes group of Islands.

Impact of the wind:

• Light to Moderate damage to high risk structures;
• Very light to light damage to medium-risk structures;
• No damage to very light damage to low risk structures
• Unshielded, old dilapidated schoolhouses, makeshift shanties, and other structures of light materials are partially damaged or unroofed.
• A number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed.
• Some old galvanized iron (G.I.) roofs may be peeled or blown off.
• Some wooden, old electric posts are tilted or downed.
• Some damage to poorly constructed signs/billboards
• In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities. Most banana plants, a few mango trees, ipil-ipil and similar types of trees are downed or broken
• Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken
• Rice and corn may be adversely affected
• Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some heavy-foliaged trees blown down.

Wave Height: (Open Sea) 4.1-14.0 meters Storm surge possible at coastal areas

Signal No. 1 (30-60kph expected in 36 hrs) is up over Babuyan group of Islands.

Impact of the wind:

• Very light or no damage to high risk structures,
• Light damage to medium to low risk structures
• Slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities. Some banana plants are tilted, a few downed and leaves are generally damaged
• Twigs of small trees may be broken.
• Rice crops, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

Wave Height: (Open Sea) 1.25-4.0 meters

The estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to occasionally heavy rains within the 400 km diameter of the Tropical Storm.

PAGASA said that 'Bagyong Isang' is closest to Batanes group of islands tonight or tomorrow (August 22) early morning.