‘Hanna’ continues to threaten Central, North Luzon; 27 areas under Signal No.1

State weather forecasters hoisted storm signals on 35 areas late Friday night, as tropical storm "Hanna" continued to threaten Central and Northern Luzon. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 11 p.m., eight provinces were placed under Storm Signal 2, and 27 under Storm Signal 1. However, it said "Hanna" is expected to weaken when it makes landfall. Pagasa earlier said "Hanna" was expected to make landfall Saturday. It said that as of 10 p.m., "Hanna" was estimated to be 190 kilometers north of Virac, Catanduanes or 250 km southeast of Casiguran, Aurora. "Hanna" packed maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It was moving west northwest at 20 kph. By Saturday evening it is forecast to be 40 km west of Baguio. By Sunday evening it is expected to be 520 km west of Baguio. Under Storm Signal 2 are Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Northern Quezon, Polillio Island, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes. Under Storm Signal 1 are Metro Manila, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan; Cagayan, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna; Cavite, Batangas, Rest of Quezon, Marinduque, Burias Island, Albay, and Sorsogon. Pagasa reiterated its advice to residents under public storm warning signals to stay alert against big waves generated by this tropical cyclone. On the other hand, Pagasa said "Hanna" will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon, which will bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao. It said Luzon will experience rains due to the approaching disturbance. "Those living in low lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take all the necessary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides," it said. - GMANews.TV