Signal No. 1 still up in parts of Luzon due to ‘Kristine’

Metro Manila, Philippines — Signal No. 1 is still up over some areas in Luzon due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), which left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday afternoon, Oct. 25, government meteorologists said.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 1 over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, the northern portion of Rizal, and the northern portion of Cavite.

PAGASA said Kristine left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 2 p.m. Friday, but the bureau said it would loop counterclockwise over the West Philippine Sea on Sunday and Monday and move towards the PAR.

This forecast scenario depends on weather systems that might affect Kristine, including the tropical storm with international name “Kong-rey” spotted outside of PAR.

Strong to gale-force gusts may be experienced over Mimaropa, Bicol region, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Davao region.

Moderate to heavy rains are forecast over Palawan, Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, southern portion of Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

“While it is likely that the tropical cyclone will remain a severe tropical storm in the next five days, the chance for it to be upgraded into a typhoon is not ruled out,” the weather bureau said.

“However, a weakening trend is expected by early next week due to a possible surge of northeasterly wind flow over the West Philippine Sea,” it added.