Caloy weakens to tropical depression as it moves closer to PH

Tropical Depression Caloy (International name: Hagupit) has weakened as it continues to move westward towards the country, PAGASA said on Sunday morning.

“The center of Tropical Depression CALOY was estimated based on all available data at 770 km East of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (10.1°N, 132.5°E),” the state weather bureau said in its Tropical Cyclone Bulletin issued at 11 a.m.

“Caloy will continue moving west northwestward throughout the forecast period and will remain over the Philippine Sea, far from the Philippine landmass,” it added.

For intensity, PAGAS said “Caloy has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 70 km/h, and central pressure of 1004 hPa.”

Caloy, which has strong to gale-force winds extend outwards up to 320 km from the center, is presently moving northwestward at 10 km/h.

No Wind Signal is currently hoisted, as per authorities.

Caloy is unlikely to directly affect the country throughout the forecast period, PAGASA said.

The agency said up to moderate seas over the following coastal waters are expected:

• Up to 2.5 m: The eastern seaboards of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands; the seaboards of Batanes.

• Up to 2.0 m: The remaining seaboards of Ilocos Norte and Babuyan Islands; the eastern seaboards of Cagayan, Isabela, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental; the northern seaboards of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Northern Samar; the western seaboard of Babuyan Islands; the northwestern seaboard of Ilocos Norte.

“Mariners of motorbancas and similarly vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions,” PAGASA cautioned.

The agency also advised that “this weather disturbance is forecast to further weaken into a remnant low tomorrow (11 May).”

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” it added. —RF, GMA News