PAGASA raises Signal Number 2 over Isabela, Cagayan

(Updated 6:07 a.m., 14 August 2012) As tropical storm Helen moves west northwest Tuesday morning, PAGASA maintained its Public Storm Signal Warning Number 2 over the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan.

 

Winds of 61-100 kph are expected for at least 24 hours in these provinces and residents in low-lying and mountainous areas are warned against possible flash floods and landslides. Coastal areas are also warned of big waves and storm surges. 

 

Signal Number 1 was raised over the eastern provinces of Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Babuyan Islands, Calayan Islands, and Batanes. 

 

As with Typhoon Haiku, which enhanced the southwest monsoon and brought heavy rainfall for a week in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, PAGASA warned that Tropical Storm Helen will also bring rains over Luzon and Visayas. 

 

Heavy to torrential rains of 15-34 millimeter per hour are expected within Helen’s 400 km diameter. 

 

Intermittent light to moderate rains are now pouring over Central and Southern Luzon while moderate to heavy rains are expected Tuesday night over Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Quezon, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, Bataan, Zambales, and Metro Manila.

 

As of 4 a.m. Tuesday, the center of Tropical Storm Helen was estimated to be 310 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora. It has maximum sustained winds of 75 kph with gustiness up to 90 kph. 

 

Helen is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday, barring a change of direction. — DVM, GMA News