Labuyo weakens but most of Luzon still under storm warnings

Typhoon Labuyo (Utor) weakened further while crossing Northern Luzon Monday morning, even as eight areas are under Storm Signal No. 3, state weather forecasters said.

 

PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz said Typhoon Labuyo may exit the land mass of Northern Luzon between noon and 1 p.m., and leave the Philippine area of responsibility Tuesday.

 

"Inaasahan itong lalabas ng land mass mamayang 12 to 1 p.m.," Loiz said at a briefing, parts of which were aired on dzBB radio.

 

He said Labuyo's diameter had shrunk to 500 km and the rain it brings had weakened.

 

As of 10 a.m., PAGASA said Labuyo was estimated to be in the vicinity of Baguio City, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.

 

It is forecast to move west-northwest at 19 kph and is expected to be 360 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur or outside the Philippine area of responsibility Tuesday morning.

 

Storm signals

 

Under Storm Signal No. 3 are (8):

 

 

Under Storm Signal No. 2 are (9):

 

 

Under Storm Signal No. 1 are (10):

 

 

PAGASA, in its 11 a.m. advisory, said Labuyo may bring rainfall of 7 to 15 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within its 500-km diameter.

 

But it still warned residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides.

 

It also warned those living in coastal areas under signal 2 and 3 against storm surges.

 

PAGASA said Typhoon Labuyo will enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over Southern Luzon and Western Visayas.

 

"Fishermen especially those using small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Southern Luzon and western seaboard of Visayas due to big waves generated by Typhoon Labuyo," it said. — TJD, GMA News