Signal No. 2 remains over Ilocos Norte as Ambo moves over West Philippine Sea

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remained hoisted over Ilocos Norte as Tropical Storm Ambo (international name: Vongfong) moved north-northwestward over the West Philippine Sea, PAGASA said on Saturday afternoon.

The region has 61-120 km/h winds prevailing or may expect in 24 hours, the state weather bureau reported in its 2 p.m. bulletin.

TCWS No. 1 meanwhile was hoisted over Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northwestern portion of Cagayan (Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros). 

These areas have 30-60 km/h winds prevailing or expected in 36 hours.

Moderate to heavy rains are expected over Cagayan Valley on Saturday while light to moderate with at times heavy rains are expected over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the northern portions of Aurora and Zambales.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, moderate to heavy rains are to be expected over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

Residents in the above mentioned areas were advised to take appropriate measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates.

Sea travel will be risky for all types of seacraft over the seaboards of areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals Nos. 2 and 1 and the east coast of Quezon including Polillo Islands.

Ambo is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday afternoon.

As of 1 p.m. on Saturday, the center of Tropical Storm Ambo was estimated based on all available data at 75 km west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (18.4°N, 119.9°E).

It has maximum sustained winds of up to 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h, and is moving north-northwest at 25 km/h. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News