MANILA – Public storm warning signal number 2 has been hoisted in 8 areas in Visayas and Mindanao as typhoon Yolanda makes it way towards the Philippines, the state weather bureau said. In its 5 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Eastern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Dinagat Island, northern part of Surigao del Sur and northern part of Agusan del Norte have been placed under signal no. 2. Meanwhile, the following areas have been placed under signal no. 1: Camarines Norte Camarines Sur Catanduanes Albay Sorsogon Ticao Island Burias Island Masbate Romblon Marinduque Southern Quezon Aklan Capiz Iloilo Antique Guimaras Negros Occidental Negros Oriental Cebu Camotes Island Bohol Siquijor Leyte Biliran Island Northern Samar Camiguin Misamis Oriental Agusan del Sur Rest of Agusan del Norte Rest of Surigao del Sur Areas under signal no. 2 should experience 61 to 100 kph winds in at least 24 hours, while those under signal no. 1 should experience 30 to 60 kph winds in at least 36 hours. A yellow rainfall alert was also raised over Samar, Biliran, Leyte and Southern Leyte. PAGASA said flooding is possible in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas. As of 4 a.m., PAGASA said Yolanda was spotted 822 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. Yolanda, which has intensified and is now considered a super typhoon, was packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 250 kph. Moving west northwest at 30 kph, Yolanda is expected to make landfall in Samar-Leyte area at around 10 a.m. tomorrow, according to PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz. Loiz said although Yolanda is strong, its effect in areas in its path will not be felt that long because of its fast movement. A forecast by the US Navys Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued at 5 a.m. today, said Yolanda will pack 135 knots (250.02 kph) while its eye hovers over Visayas at 2 p.m. on November 8, Friday. The Hawaii-based JTWC said sea surface temperatures along the track of the typhoon remain very favorable, providing ample surface heating supporting the recent increase in its intensity. Due to very favorable environmental conditions, the system is expected to remain at super typhoon intensity over the next 36 hours, the JTWC said in its prognostic reasoning. PAGASA said an estimated rainfall amount of 10 to 30 millimeters per hour (heavy - intense) is expected within the typhoons 600-km diameter. PAGASA said sea travel is risky over the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 23:44:23 +0000
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