Slow traffic, stranded passengers reported due to Tropical Depression Luis

Slow traffic was reported in Quezon City and some passengers were stranded in different ports in provinces on Monday morning due to the effects of Tropical Depression Luis.

Continuous light rain slowed the traffic in Quezon City on Monday, making the morning commute difficult for some workers and students, according to a report of Bam Alegre on GMA News' Unang Balita.

Rain was reported along Commonwealth Avenue at around 3 a.m. Similar weather conditions were experienced on Litex, Quirino Highway, and Mindanao Avenue.

Before 5 a.m., light rain continued in the southbound section of Luzon Avenue corner Commonwealth Avenue.

As rush hour began, traffic volume along Commonwealth Avenue increased. Despite the heavy traffic, commuters were still able to find public transportation.

Authorities continued to remind motorists to exercise caution on wet roads and advise commuters to allot extra travel time during periods of inclement weather.

Stranded

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a total of 491 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers were stranded in three ports in Southern Tagalog and Bicol early Monday due to Luis.

From 12 a.m. to 4 a.m., the PCG said the affected ports were Real Port and Jomalig Port in Southern Tagalog, and Tabaco Port in the Bicol Region.

The agency reported that aside from the stranded travelers, 45 rolling cargoes and five vessels were also unable to sail due to the weather disturbance.

Authorities continue to monitor port operations and weather conditions as Luis affects parts of the country.

The PCG advised the public, particularly those with sea travel plans, to monitor official advisories and coordinate with shipping companies and local port authorities for updates on voyage schedules.

Tropical Depression Luis kept its strength as it remained stationary over the sea east of Aurora province, according to PAGASA's 5 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin.

The state weather bureau said 10 areas in Luzon are still under Signal No. 1.

These areas are:

• the central and eastern portions of Cagayan (Enrile, Tuguegarao City, Peñablanca, Piat, Santo Niño, Camalaniugan, Tuao, Lal-Lo, Gonzaga, Alcala, Amulung, Santa Teresita, Baggao, Buguey, Solana, Rizal, Santa Ana, Gattaran, Iguig, Lasam, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Allacapan, Pamplona)
• Isabela
• Quirino
• the eastern and southern portions of Apayao (Flora, Santa Marcela, Conner, Pudtol, Luna)
• the eastern portion of Kalinga (City of Tabuk, Tanudan, Pinukpuk, Rizal)
• the eastern portion of Mountain Province (Paracelis, Natonin)
• the eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista)
• the northern portion of Aurora (Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dipaculao, Baler)
• Polillo Islands
• the northern portion of Camarines Norte (Daet, Talisay, Paracale, Jose Panganiban, Capalonga, Vinzons)

The center of Tropical Depression Luis was estimated to be located at 4 a.m. at 130 kilometers east southeast of Casiguran, Aurora. It is almost stationary, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News