Julian continues to threaten northern Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression "Julian" maintained its strength as it continued to threaten northern Luzon Monday morning, state weather forecasters said. In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned against flash floods and landslides in the eastern section of Luzon. Pagasa also advised residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides. Under Storm Signal No. 1 are the Batanes Group of Islands, Babuyan Group of Islands, Calayan Group of Islands, Northern Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union. "Extreme Northern Luzon and the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union will experience rains and occasional gusty winds and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. The rest of Luzon will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over the eastern section which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," Pagasa said. It added the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Pagasa said that as of 4 a.m., "Julian" was 130 kilometers north-northwest of Aparri, Cagayan or 110 kms south-southwest of Basco, Batanes. "Julian" packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and was moving west at 17 kph. By Tuesday morning it is expected to be 320 kms west-northwest of Laoag City. By Wednesday morning it is due 680 kms west-northwest of Laoag City, Pagasa said. In its update, Pagasa said "Julian" is expected to continue to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Luzon especially in the western sections. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over the rest of Luzon with moderate to rough seas. Light to moderate winds blowing from the south to southwest will prevail over the rest of the country and its coastal waters will be slight to moderate except during thunderstorms. - GMANews.TV