PAGASA hoists Signal No. 1 as “Ferdie” lashes north Luzon

Tropical depression “Ferdie” is now lashing its way toward extreme north Luzon, prompting state weather forecasters to raise Storm Signal No. 1 in 11 areas.   The storm signal was hoisted over Isabela, Cagayan, Calayan Group of Islands, Babuyan Group of Islands, Batanes Group of Islands, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, locos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Mountain Province, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astonomical Services Administration.   In a tropical cyclone warning issued Friday, PAGASA warned residents against potential flashfloods and landslides.   Fishing vessels and seacraft were also cautioned against sailing through the seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.   According to a separate weather update, PAGASA said the rest of the country can also expect cloudy skies and lots of rain in the next four days to July 24, with monsoon rains predicted in Metro Manila, Tugegarao city, Baguio City, Clark, Tagaytay, and Puerto Princesa starting Saturday. PAGASA forecaster Bernard Punzalan said in an interview with GMA News Online “Ferdie” may leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) in the next 24 hours.   Largely due to the southwest monsoon or habagat, the country may continue to experience rains even after the tropical depression hast left, Punzalan noted.   “Yun po yung medyo matagal kasi in case lumabas itong tropical depression, meron pa ring habagat na na-i-enhance nito,” he added. — VS, GMA News