Weather News VisMin residents warned vs floods, landslides as LPA nears Catanduanes June 7, 2013 2:00pm 0 1 0 4 Satellite Image at 7 a.m., June 6, 2013. | Weather Central A potential cyclone neared Catanduanes province before noon Friday, even as state weather forecasters said it may affect Metro Manila as early as Saturday. Meanwhile, coastal residents in parts of Visayas and Mindanao have been urged to consider the possibility of flash floods and landslides. PAGASA forecaster Alvin Pura said the low pressure area (LPA) may also allow the southwest monsoon to affect the country, paving the way for the start of the rainy season by next week. "Sa Metro Manila maulap lang tayo (pero) bukas at sa darating na araw maaring (maapektuhan) tayo ng LPA," Pura said in an interview on dzBB radio. He also said that if the LPA causes the southwest monsoon to start affecting the country, that may be the start of the rainy season in the Philippines. In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said the LPA was estimated at 570 km east of Virac, Catanduanes as of 8 a.m. PAGASA said the LPA is embedded along the inter-tropical convergence zone affecting Bicol region, Visayas and Mindanao. "The Caraga, Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula will experience cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms which may trigger flash floods and landslides," it said. "Residents in these areas are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures," it added. VisMin coastal residents warned The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday advised residents in coastal areas, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, to take precautions against floods and landslides that may be caused by a potential cyclone. Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo said residents should keep alert for heavy rain and be ready to evacuate if needed, radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported. Balilo also advised residents to keep handy in the house various emergency items such as food, water and flashlights as well as batteries. He said an average of 21 to 23 cyclones enter the Philippine area of responsibility every year. If the LPA intensifies into a cyclone while inside the Philippine area of responsibility, it will be locally codenamed Dante. Thunderstorm alert Meanwhile, PAGASA on Friday afternoon issued an advisory warning residents of Zambales, Pampanga and Batangas of a thunderstorm. It said the thunderstorm may affect Candelaria, Palauig and Iba in Zambales, Pinatubo in Pampanga and Rosario, Candelaria, and Palauig in Batangas. "All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, gusty winds, lightning strikes and possible flashfloods. Keep monitoring for updates," it said. — TJD, GMA News LSD
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:00:15 +0000