Signal No. 5 up in Babuyan Islands; more areas under Signal No. 4

MANILA – Signal No. 5 has been hoisted over the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Camiguin Island) and more areas have been placed under Signal No. 4 on Tuesday afternoon due to Super Typhoon Egay.

In its 2 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “very strong winds” of more than 185 kph may be expected in Camiguin Island in at least 12 hours.

Significant to severe impacts from typhoon-force winds may be experienced in areas under Signal No. 4: the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana and Gonzaga) and the rest of Babuyan Islands.

The situation in these areas could be “very destructive” to the communities, and travels and outdoor activities should be canceled, said PAGASA.

Egay maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

It was last located 230 km. east-northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, or 240 km. east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Moderate to significant impacts from storm-force winds, on the other hand, are likely in areas under Signal No. 3: the northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan, Santa Maria, San Pablo, Santo Tomas, Cabagan, Tumauini), the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, the eastern portion of Ilocos Norte (Vintar, Adams, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Nueva Era, Carasi, Bangui, Piddig, Solsona), the northeastern portion of Kalinga (Rizal, Pinukpuk) and Batanes.

Minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible in these areas where Signal No. 2 has been hoisted: the rest of Isabela, the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao), Quirino, the rest of Kalinga, northeastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Kasibu, Quezon, Diadi, Bagabag, Ambaguio, Villaverde, Solano, Bayombong), the rest of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, northern portion of Benguet (Bakun, Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Kibungan, Atok) and the northern portion of La Union (Bangar, Sudipen, Luna, Balaoan, Santol).

Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over Quezon including Pollilo Islands, the rest of Aurora, the rest of Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Benguet, the rest of La Union, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Marinduque, Cavite, Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Catanduanes. Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible in these areas.

PAGASA said areas in Luzon, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the northern portions of Northern Mindanao and Caraga that are not under any wind signal may experience gusty conditions due to Egay and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.”

Rough to high or very high seas are forecast over several coastal waters along the seaboards of Luzon, the Visayas, and Northeastern Mindanao.

Sea travel is risky for most vessels. PAGASA advised mariners to remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside. (PNA)