PAGASA: Thunderstorm brings early rain to Bulacan, north NCR, but no cyclone up to election day

Rain from a thunderstorm fell on parts of Bulacan and Metro Manila early Saturday, with state weather forecasters warning of possible flooding.

 

PAGASA said the thunderstorm affected Navotas City and parts of Bulacan, including Bulacan town, Malolos, Meycuayan, Guinguinto, Marilao and Bocaue.

 

"All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, strong gusty winds, lightning and possible flooding," PAGASA said in its 4:15 a.m. thunderstorm advisory.

 

It said the thunderstorm was also to affect as well the rest of Bocaue and Marilao and Balagtas; and Valenzuela and Malabon Cities.

 

But PAGASA forecaster Chris Perez reassured the public there is little chance of a cyclone affecting the country particularly on Election Day this Monday.

 

"Walang inaasahang bagyo na makakaapekto sa ating bansa within the next two to three days. wala tayong inaasahang bagyo in the next 24 hours kahit sa election (We do not expect any cyclone to affect the country in the next two to three days, and that includes Election Day)," Perez said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

Saturday outlook

 

For Saturday, PAGASA's 5 a.m. bulletin said the inter-tropical convergence zone is affecting Southern Mindanao.

 

"Mindanao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening," it said.

 

It also said light to moderate winds from the southeast to south will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the east to northeast over Mindanao.

 

The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate, PAGASA said.  — ELR, GMA News