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Storm signals up in Visayas ahead of papal visit


Eleven areas in Bicol and Eastern Visayas placed under Storm Signal No. 1 before noon Friday as Tropical Storm Amang (Mekkhala) continues to move toward Samar ahead of Pope Francis' visit to the region this Saturday. 
 
State weather agency PAGASA, in its 11 a.m. update, said Amang was estimated at 560 km east of Borongan City in Eastern Samar as of 10 a.m.
 
"Tropical Storm Amang may hit Northern Samar (Saturday) evening," it added.
 
 
 
 
PAGASA said Amang packed maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph, and is forecast to move west at 15 kph.
 
By Saturday morning, it is expected to be 180 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. By Sunday morning, it is expected to be 40 km northeast of Legazpi City.
 
On Monday morning, it is expected to be in the vicinity of Baler, Aurora.
 
Storm signals
 
Under Storm Signal No. 1 are:
 
  • Camarines Sur
  • Catanduanes
  • Albay
  • Burias Island
  • Sorsogon
  • Masbate including Ticao Island
  • Northern Samar
  • Eastern Samar
  • Samar
  • Biliran
  • Leyte
 
PAGASA said there is a possibility of raising Public Storm Signal No. 1 over Camarines Norte, Marinduque and southern Quezon in the next six hours or before evening.
 
Also, PAGASA said Amang may have rainfall of 7.5 to 20 mm per hour (heavy to intense) within its 300-km diameter.
 
It advised those in low-lying and mountainous areas in areas under Signal No. 1 to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides.
 
Ocean waves
 
PAGASA also said ocean waves may reach up to 6.5 meters.
 
"Fisherfolk and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, Visayas and of Mindanao," it advised. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News
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