'Quiel' strengthens, PAGASA sets Signal 3 over 10 Luzon provinces

Typhoon “Quiel" gained strength as it moved closer to the northeastern seaboard of Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which raised Storm Signal No. 3 over 10 northern Luzon provinces. PAGASA said Quiel now “seriously threatens Cagayan and Isabela" with gale force winds of 150 – 180 kilometers per hour (kph) and has estimated rainfall volume of 15 – 25 millimeters or up to one inch of rain per hour.

PAGASA expands the coverage of public storm signals to more provinces as Typhoon ‘Quiel’ draws near.Source: PAGASA

The cyclone was spotted 340 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan as of 10 p.m. Friday. It is moving westward at 26 kph and at this speed, it will make landfall along the eastern coast of Cagayan or Isabela by late morning of Saturday. Anticipating the heavy rainfall from the approaching typhoon, the major water reservoir in the Cagayan River Valley, the Magat dam, has been releasing water since 8 p.m. Friday. The dam has seven spill gates open up to 7 meters. PAGASA flood forecasters said water released from Magat dam flows downstream through nine towns in Isabela province.

Nine towns of Isabela province are downstream from the Magat dam.Source: PAGASA

PAGASA said Quiel will “enhance the Southwest Monsoon and will bring widespread rains over Southern Luzon and Western Visayas" considering that it is 500 kilometers wide. PAGASA also alerted coastal areas against big waves and storm surges. — ELR, GMA News