(Weather Update): TS 'Egay' maintains strength; 17 areas in Luzon under PSWS –PAGASA

At least 17 areas in Luzon are under public storm warning signals (PSWS) as tropical storm "Egay" maintains its strength while moving over Cagayan, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said that as of 10 a.m. Sunday, the center of TS “Egay” was estimated based on Aparri Doppler radar and all available data in the vicinity of Mt. Cagagangan, Cagayan (18.2°N, 121.9°E), packed with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph. It is forecast to move northwestward at 9 kph

PAGASA said PSWS No. 2 (61-120 kph winds expected in 24 hours) is raised over the Northern Luzon provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, including Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, Apayao, Kalinga, Isabela, Ilocos Norte and Abra.

On the other hand, PSWS No. 1 (30-60 kph winds expected in at least 36 hours) is aloft over the provinces of Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Aurora, La Union, Mt. Province and Ifugao.

Residents in mountainous and low-lying areas of the provinces under PSWS #1 and #2 as well as of the rest of Northern and Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

The estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 300-km diameter of the severe tropical storm.

The storm is estimated to exit the landmass via Cagayan Sunday evening (July 5) and will exit PAR by Wednesday afternoon (July 8).

Fisherfolks and small sea crafts are advised not to venture out over the seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas.

The weather agency said that most parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will experience rains due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by storm "Egay."

Meanwhile, PAGASA also issued heavy rainfall advisory in Metro Manila and nearby provinces due to the storm-enhanced southwest monsoon.

It said a "yellow" rainfall warning was issued in Metro Manila (Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Parañaque, Taguig, Makati, Manila), and the provinces of Cavite and Batangas at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Under the heavy rainfall warning system, a yellow rainfall advisory is raised when the expected rainfall amount is between 7.5 millimeters and 15 mm within one hour and likely to continue.

Communities given this advisory are advised to be aware of the weather condition and warned that flooding may be possible in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rains are affecting Metro Manila (Quezon City, Marikina, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig), Rizal, Laguna, northern Quezon province, Bataan, Zambales, and Tarlac which may persist within three hours, PAGASA said. (PNA)