Wind Signal No. 1 up in 16 areas due to TD Isang

Metro Manila, Philippines - Wind Signal No. 1 was raised in 16 areas due to Tropical Depression Isang on Friday, Aug. 22.

Based on the 2 p.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), those under Signal No. 1 will experience 39 to 61 kilometers per hour (kph) wind speeds which may cause minimal to minor threat to life and property.

These are Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, and the northern portion of Nueva Ecija.

“Isang” was last spotted in the vicinity of Maddela, Quirino. Moving west northwestward, it packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

The cyclone will enhance the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, and will trigger strong to gale-force gusts over Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Burias Island, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin.

“Isang” is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm on Saturday morning.

The tropical depression is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning or afternoon.

Some local government units have declared class suspensions due to heavy rains.

PAGASA is also monitoring another LPA outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, noting that it has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.