Ester accelerates northward toward sea west of Okinawa, enhances Habagat

Tropical Depression Ester has accelerated northward over the Sea West of Okinawa Island but continues to enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), weather bureau PAGASA said Sunday morning.

In its 11 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Ester was located 915 kilometers northeast of extreme northern Luzon as of 10 a.m. Ester has maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and central pressure of 1000 hPa.

Ester was also moving northwards at 30 km/h with strong winds extending outwards up to 600 kilometers from the center.

PAGASA added that no tropical cyclone wind signal is currently hoisted for this tropical cyclone.

It also said the monsoon enhanced by Ester is also being enhanced by Tropical Storm Songada, which is outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The monsoon will bring light to moderate with at times heavy rains over several provinces in the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon.

Hazards affecting coastal waters

Ester and the Habagat will bring coastal waters to be moderate, with waves ranging from 1.2 meters to 2.5 meters, over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon.

Mariners were advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea.

Track of Ester

Ester left the PAR at 5 a.m. and was forecasted to move generally north northwestward as it moves towards the East China Sea.

It was similarly forecasted to remain a tropical depression within the forecast period.

Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned were advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.

“Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” PAGASA said.

“For heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm/rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local PAGASA Regional Services Division,” it added. —Mel Matthew Doctor/KG, GMA News