Chedeng accelerates, may leave PAR Sunday or Monday; Habagat to bring rains

Typhoon Chedeng (international name: Guchol) accelerated as it moved away from the Philippine landmass on Sunday as the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continues to bring rains, PAGASA said in its bulletin.

Chedeng was estimated to be located at 4 a.m. at 990 km east of Extreme Northern Luzon.

It continued to weaken, having maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 160 km/h, and central pressure of 970 hPa.

Chedeng is moving at 20 km/h in a north northeastward direction.

From its center, strong to typhoon-force winds are extending outwards up to 440 km.

No tropical cyclone wind signals are in effect.

Rainfall

"CHEDENG is unlikely to directly bring heavy rainfall over the country in the next 3 days," PAGASA said.

"However, the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by CHEDENG will bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas in the next 3 days," it added.

A frontal system north of Extreme Northern Luzon will also enhance the Southwest Monsoon starting Tuesday and will affect most of Luzon, especially the western and extreme northern portions, PAGASA said.

Zambales and Bataan are expected to have 100 to 200 mm of rainfall on Sunday and until Monday night.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Pangasinan, Metro Manila, Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro, the northern portion of Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands, and Antique will have 50 to 100 mm of rainfall.

From Sunday night until Monday night, the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Occidental Mindoro, and the northern portion of Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo Islands will have 50 to 100 mm of rainfall.

The Ilocos Region, Apayao, Abra, Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro meanwhile may expect 50-100 mm of rainfall from Monday night to Tuesday night.

Flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur especially in areas prone to these hazards, PAGASA said.

Winds, coastal waters

Gusty conditions may be experienced in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas on Sunday, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous localities exposed to winds.

Coastal waters will be moderate to rough over the seaboard of Extreme Northern Luzon.

"Mariners of small seacrafts are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea. If inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels, avoid navigating in these conditions," PAGASA said.

Will exit PAR

Chedeng is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday night or early Monday morning.

It may be downgraded into a severe tropical storm on Sunday or early Monday morning as it continues to weaken.

PAGASA advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned to take the necessary precautions to protect life and property.

The weather bureau said the next bulletin will be issued at 11 a.m. —KG, GMA Integrated News