PAGASA: Henry moves toward extreme northern Luzon, Batanes under signal no. 2

Batanes was placed under Storm Signal No. 2 Monday afternoon as Typhoon Henry (Matmo) accelerated toward extreme northern Luzon, state weather agency PAGASA said.

PAGASA, in its 5 p.m. advisory, also said Cagayan including Babuyan and Calayan islands were placed under Storm Signal No. 1.

As of 4 p.m., Henry was estimated at 420 km east of Aparri, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

The typhoon is forecast to move northwest at 24 kph and is expected to be 180 km north of Basco, Batanes by Tuesday afternoon.

By Wednesday afternoon, it is expected to be 580 km north-northwest of Basco, Batanes or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

PAGASA said Henry may bring rainfall of 7.5 to 15 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within its 500-km diameter.

Heavy rain

PAGASA said Henry will enhance the southwest monsoon, and will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rain and thunderstorms over Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Western Visayas.

It advised residents in these areas to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides.

Big waves

PAGASA also warned fisherfolk and those with small seacraft not to venture out over the eastern, southern and western seaboards of Luzon and the seaboards of Visayas. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News