PAGASA: 'Sendong' heads for Sulu Sea; 4 areas under storm signal 2

Published December 17, 2011 7:52am

At least four areas remained under Storm Signal No. 2 as Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) headed for the Sulu Sea early Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

PAGASA forecaster Jun Galang said Sendong was estimated at 20 km west-northwest of Cagayan de Oro City as of 4 a.m.

"It is starting to head outside the country. It is heading for the Sulu Sea," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said Sendong could be the last cyclone to hit the country for the year, saying state weather forecasters detected no weather disturbance near the country so far.

Earlier, PAGASA said it expects only one cyclone to affect the country in December. "For now, our satellite images show no new weather disturbance near the country," Galang said.

But he said the northeast monsoon will continue to bring rain to parts of the country, including Metro Manila.

PAGASA's 5 a.m. advisory said Sendong continued to pack maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness up to 80 kph.

It said Sendong is forecast to move west at 22 kph and be 140 km southeast of Puerto Princesa City Sunday morning.

By Monday morning it is expected to be 430 km west-southwest of Puerto Princesa City or out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Under Storm Signal No. 2 are:

Misamis Occidental

Lanao del Norte

Lanao del Sur

Zamboanga Provinces

Under Storm Signal No. 1 area:

Palawan

Bohol

Siquijor

Southern Cebu

Negros Oriental

Southern Negros Occidental

Camiguin Island

Misamis Oriental

Bukidnon

North Cotabato

Maguindanao

PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals against possible flash floods and landslides.

It added those living in coastal areas should be alert against big waves or storm surges generated by "Sendong."

Also, PAGASA estimated rainfall from 10 to 25 mm per hour (heavy) within the 400-km diameter of "Sendong."

PAGASA warned mining operators and small-scale miners against possible flash floods and landslides, urging them to take necessary precautionary measures.

Fishing boats and other small sea crafts were also advised not to venture out into the sea. — LBG, GMA News

Tags: weather, pagasa, sendong, washi