'Sendong' crosses Palawan, moves out to West PHL Sea

Tropical storm "Sendong" (Washi) made a second landfall on Palawan early Sunday, and is now heading for the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

 

PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier said "Sendong," which caused hundreds of deaths, may exit Philippine territory as early as Sunday night.

 

"Medyo bumilis ito. Inaasahan natin lalabas sa Philippine area of responsibility mamayang gabi at ito inaasahan natin sa 580 km west of Puerto Princesa City bukas ng umaga (It accelerated slightly and we expect it to exit Philippine territory Sunday night. We expect it to be 580 km west of Puerto Princesa City by Monday morning)," Javier said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

PAGASA's 5 a.m. advisory said that as of 4 a.m., "Sendong" was estimated at 60 km west-northwest of Puerto Princesa City.

 

It packed maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness up to 80 kph. "Sendong" was forecast to move west at 24 kph.

 

Also, PAGASA estimated heavy rainfall of 10 to 20 mm per hour within the 300-km diameter of "Sendong."

 

Palawan remained under Storm Signal No. 2 while Cuyo and Coron Islands were under Storm Signal No. 1.

 

PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals against possible flash floods and landslides.

 

It also reminded those living in coastal areas against big waves or storm surges generated by "Sendong."

 

"Palawan will experience stormy weather. Cuyo and Coron Group of Islands will have rains with gusty winds. The rest of Luzon and Visayas will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming cloudy with widespread rains over the eastern sections which may trigger flash floods and landslides. Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms," PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. bulletin.

 

Also, it said moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

 

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast and east with slight to moderate seas.

 

PAGASA advised fishing boats and other small seacrafts not to venture out into the sea. — ELR, GMA News