Kiyapo continues to intensify, Signal No. 2 raised over two areas

Severe Tropical Storm Kiyapo continues to intensify as it moves over the West Philippine Sea with Signal No. 2 raised over two areas, according to the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin posted by PAGASA.

As of 10 p.m. the center of Severe Tropical Storm Kiyapo was estimated at 140 kilometers west northwest of Calayan, Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 135 km/h, and central pressure of 975 hPa.

Kiyapo is moving west northwestward at the speed of 30 km/h with strong to storm-force winds extend outwards up to 470 km from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is hoisted over the following areas:

• Batanes
• the western portion of Babuyan Islands (Calayan Is., Dalupiri Is., Fuga Is.)

TCWS No.1 is raised over the following areas:

• the rest of Cagayan
• the northern portion of Isabela (Santo Tomas, Santa Maria, Quezon, Delfin Albano, San Pablo, Tumauini, Cabagan, Mallig, Maconacon, Quirino, Roxas)
• Apayao
• Abra
• Kalinga
• Mountain Province
• Ilocos Norte
• the northern and central portions of Ilocos Sur (Cabugao, Sinait, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Ildefonso, San Vicente, Gregorio del Pilar, San Esteban, Banayoyo, Cervantes, Burgos, City of Candon, Santa Lucia, Santiago, Santa Catalina, Lidlidda, Nagbukel, Suyo, Sigay, Galimuyod, Quirino, City of Vigan, San Emilio, Caoayan, Santa, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Narvacan, Salcedo, Alilem)

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

Heavy rainfall due to Severe Tropical Storm Kiyapo with 100mm to 200mm over Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur

Heavy rainfall due to the southwest monsoon with 50mm to 100 mm over Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan

Severe Winds

There will be minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 2.

Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1.

The Southwest Monsoon and the periphery of KIYAPO will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds) over most of the country.

A Gale Warning is in effect over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon.

Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. All mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside.

"Kiyapo will continue moving west northwestward over the West Philippine Sea until tomorrow (25 July) morning before turning northwestward to northward towards the southern mainland China," PAGASA said.

"On the forecast track, KIYAPO will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow early morning," the agency added. — BAP, GMA News