Storm 'Helen' slightly weakens, but will still bring intense monsoon rain

Tropical storm "Helen" (Kai-Tak) slightly weakened after making landfall over Isabela and is now over Cagayan province, PAGASA said before noon Wednesday.

 

In its 10:45 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said "Helen" was 40 km south-southeast of Aparri, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

 

At least 16 areas were under Signal No. 2 and five more under Signal No. 1, it said.

 

But it said "Helen" will still enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rain over the rest of Luzon and Visayas, particularly over the western section. 

 

PAGASA said "Helen" may bring rainfall from 20 to 35 mm per hour (intense to torrential) within its 500-km diameter.

 

It will also bring moderate to heavy (7.5 to 12.0 mm/hr) rain and moderate to occasionally strong winds over Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Luzon. 

 

"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas due to 'Helen' and the southwest monsoon," PAGASA advised.

 

As of 10 a.m., PAGASA said "Helen" was moving west-northwest at 13 kph and is forecast to be 250 km west-northwest of Aparri, Cagayan or 160 km northwest of Laoag City by Thursday morning.

 

By Friday morning it is expected to be 510 km northwest of Laoag City.

 

Areas under Storm Signal No. 2 include:

 

 

Areas under Signal No. 1 include:

 

 

PAGASA reminded residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signals to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides.

 

It added those in coastal areas under public storm warning 2 to be alert against big waves or storm surges. –KG, GMA News