17 areas under Signal No. 1 as ‘Mirasol’ maintains strength

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over 17 areas in Luzon as Tropical Depression Mirasol maintained its strength, tstate weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday evening.

According to the 8 p.m. weather bulletin, the following areas are under Signal No.1: 

• Batanes
• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
• Isabela
• Quirino
• The northeastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Diadi, Quezon, Kasibu, Dupax del Norte, Bambang, Ambaguio, Bayombong, Solano, Villaverde, Bagabag)
• The northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler)
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Mountain Province
•  Ifugao
• Ilocos Norte
• The northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Vicente, San Ildefonso, Santa Catalina, City of Vigan, Caoayan, Santa)
• Polillo Islands
• The northern portion of Camarines Norte (Vinzons, Capalonga, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, Talisay, Daet, Mercedes)
• the northeastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Lagonoy, Siruma, Tinambac, Goa, San Jose)
• Catanduanes

The center of the tropical depression was monitored at 170 kilometers northeast of Infanta, Quezon, or 90 kilometers southeast of Casiguran, Aurora. 

“Mirasol” still has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It is moving northwestward at 25 kph.

Based on the intensity forecast, PAGASA said that “Mirasol” will likely intensify into a tropical storm when it re-emerges over the Luzon Strait and hoisting of Signal No. 2 is possible. 

“By Thursday (18 September) morning, MIRASOL will re-emerge over the Luzon Strait and will continue moving generally northwestward until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility between afternoon and evening,” said PAGASA. 

“Mirasol will maintain its strength or will slightly weaken as it crosses the Northern Luzon landmass. Once it is over the West Philippine Sea, it is forecast to intensify and reach tropical storm category by Thursday morning,” it added. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News