‘Dodong’ intensifies into tropical storm as it exits PH – Pagasa

TROPICAL Depression “Dodong” intensified into a tropical storm as it headed out of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Saturday.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa said Dodong was spotted over the West Philippine Sea. Its center was estimated at 305 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Dodong is forecast to move generally northwestward before turning west- northwestward for the remainder of the forecast period.

All wind signals have been lifted, however, the enhanced southwest monsoon may still bring gusty conditions, especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds.

The affected areas are Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Batanes, the eastern portion of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Aurora, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas. Calabarzon is Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon while Mimaropa is Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan.

A marine gale warning is also in effect over the northern and western seaboards of Luzon and Western Visayas, Pagasa said.

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials”, Pagasa said.