MANILA, Philippines - Tropical Storm Ramil (Fengshen) emerged over the West Philippine Sea on Sunday afternoon, October 19, after making landfall in Luzon four times and causing floods as well as landslides.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 pm bulletin on Sunday that Ramil was already 85 kilometers west northwest of Iba, Zambales, as of 4 pm.
The tropical storm accelerated, moving west northwest at 35 kilometers per hour from the previous 15 km/h.
It maintained its strength as it exited landmass, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h. Its gustiness slightly eased from 90 km/h to 80 km/h.
Since Ramil is beginning to move away from Luzon, some areas like Metro Manila will have gradually improving weather. But in the coming hours, more than two dozen provinces may still get significant rain from the tropical storm.
Meanwhile, the following areas are under tropical cyclone wind signals as of 5 pm on Sunday:
Gale-force winds (62 to 88 km/h), minor to moderate threat to life and property
Strong winds (39 to 61 km/h), minimal to minor threat to life and property
The trough and outer rainbands of the tropical storm, as well as the easterlies, are also bringing strong to gale-force gusts to areas not under a wind signal in these regions and provinces:
PAGASA added that there is still a minimal to moderate risk of storm surges with peak heights of 1 to 2 meters in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, and Occidental Mindoro within 24 hours. Check the specific cities and municipalities here.
The weather bureau also warned the public that it is not yet safe to travel in seaboards affected by Ramil.
Up to very rough seas (travel is risky for all vessels)
Up to rough seas (small vessels should not venture out to sea)
Up to moderate seas (small vessels should take precautionary measures or avoid sailing, if possible)
Ramil is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday morning, October 20. Outside PAR, it is likely to intensify into a severe tropical storm.
La Niña is also underway in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which means the country may have above-normal rainfall in the coming months. - Rappler.com