‘Isang’ nears Bicol, continues northwest path

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression "Isang" neared Catanduanes in Bicol Wednesday afternoon as it continued on its northeast path, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, Pagasa said "Isang" was estimated at 280 kms east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes as of 2 p.m.

"Isang" packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kph, and is forecast to move northwest at 19 kph.

"The whole country will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming cloudy with scattered to widespread rains over the Western sections of Southern Luzon and Western Visayas," Pagasa said.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest and south would prevail over Luzon and coming from the southwest over the rest of the country. Coastal waters throughout the archipelago would be moderate to rough.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said the surge of the southwest monsoon is expected to affect the seaboards of western sections of Central and Southern Luzon and Western Visayas.

"Fishing boats and other seacraft are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger seacraft are alerted against big waves," it said.

No storm signals were raised so far.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, Pagasa said "Isang" is expected to be 360 kms east-southeast of Aparri, Cagayan by Thursday morning,

By Friday morning it is expected to be 160 kms north of Aparri, Cagayan or 90 kms south-southeast of Basco, Batanes. By Saturday morning, it is expected to be 270 kms northwest of Basco, Batanes. - GMANews.TV