Storm Wipha exits PAR but habagat to bring more rain across Luzon

Severe Tropical Storm Wipha (international name; formerly “Crising”) has continued its westward movement away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday, July 20.

As of 3:00 a.m., Wipha was last spotted 655 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 125 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 30 kph and is no longer within PAR.

Heavy rains expected despite Wipha’s exit

Though Wipha has exited, PAGASA said the storm continues to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, which will keep rains pouring over several areas.

Monsoon rains are expected in Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro. Residents in these areas are warned of flooding and landslides due to intense and continuous downpour.

Metro Manila and nearby provinces under threat

PAGASA noted that occasional rains will affect Metro Manila, as well as Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, and the rest of the Ilocos Region. These rains also carry the risk of floods and landslides.

Cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms elsewhere

The Visayas, the rest of Luzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga can expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. Isolated thunderstorms are forecast over the rest of Mindanao, especially during late afternoon or evening.

Rough seas expected; warnings for fisherfolk

Strong southwesterly winds will create rough sea conditions with wave heights reaching up to 4 meters, especially along the northern and western coasts of Luzon.

PAGASA has advised small fishing vessels and other sea transport to avoid venturing out to sea under these hazardous conditions. [PNA]