PAGASA: 'Dindo' out of PHL, heading for China-HK area

After bringing heavy rain and big waves to parts of the country, Tropical Storm Dindo (Doksuri) finally exited Philippine territory Friday morning and headed for Southern China, state weather forecasters said. But the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said there may still be rain in some parts of Luzon due to the southwest monsoon still enhanced by Dindo. "Itong si Tropical Storm Dindo nakalabas na kani-kanina between 6 and 7 a.m. Nasa labas na 'yan ng Philippine area of responsibility, at tinatahak na direction Southern China or east ng Hong Kong," PAGASA forecaster Nikos Peñaranda said in an interview on dzBB radio. Peñaranda also said an incoming potential cyclone off the Caroline Islands is due to enter Philippine territory Monday, but not yet as a fully developed cyclone. He said the potential cyclone is moving "slowly." While he said the weather will gradually improve this weekend, there may still be rain on Friday. "Unti-unting gaganda ang panahon (The weather will improve, but gradually)," he said. HK, Taiwan brace for Doksuri Hong Kong and Taiwan braced for Doksuri, issuing warnings against possible bad weather conditions. The Hong Kong Observatory's 8 a.m. bulletin said Standby Signal No. 1 is in force, meaning a tropical cyclone about 800 km of Hong Kong may affect the area. It said Doksuri was estimated at 460 km east-southeast of Hong Kong and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kph towards the South China coast. "Under the influence of Doksuri, local weather is expected to deteriorate later today and tomorrow with squally showers and strengthening winds. The Hong Kong Observatory will consider issuing the strong wind signal, No. 3 this afternoon," it said. It added the present forecast track showed Doksuri will be fairly close to Hong Kong Friday night and Saturday morning. The observatory issued the following precautions to residents: 1. Since there will be swells, you are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports. 2. People living in wooden huts and in low-lying areas should take necessary precautions against strong winds and flooding. 3. Those who have definite duties during a tropical cyclone should now remain on call or contact their control centers from time to time. 4. If you are planning to visit Guangdong, Macau, any of the off-shore islands or remote parts of Hong Kong, you are reminded that changes in weather may affect your plans. 5. Engineers, architects and contractors should make sure that scaffolding, hoardings and other temporary structures are secured. 6. All small vessels including low power vessels and fishing vessels in open sea should seek shelter as soon as possible. Please take any precautions necessary for small vessels and secure them properly with moorings. In Taiwan, Taiwan's Central News Agency said Thursday night that Doksuri is forecast to bring heavy rain to South Taiwan. It said Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau urged residents in Pingtung and Taitung counties to stay alert as heavy downpours and strong winds are expected in those areas until early Friday when the storm is likely to be closest to the island. — LBG, GMA News