Storm signals up in 29 areas as Ompong exits PAR on Saturday night

Typhoon Ompong weakened on Saturday afternoon and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight, leaving behind at least two confirmed deaths.

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said the following areas remain under Tropical Cyclone Warning System (TCWS) Signal Number 3:

• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Abra
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet

These provinces were placed under TCWS #2:

• Batanes
• Cagayan including Babuyan Group of Islands
• Isabela
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Quirino
• Pangasinan
• Zambales
• Tarlac
• Pampanga
• Bulacan
• Nueva Ecija
• Aurora

TCWS #1 remains raised over:

• Metro Manila
• Bataan
• Rizal
• Cavite
• Batangas
• Laguna
• Lubang Island
• Northern Quezon including Polillo Islands 

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Ompong has so far resulted in two confirmed casualties, who were rescuers conducting operations in areas affected by the typhoon in Cordillera. Theire identities have not yet been disclosed.

The NDRRMC, meanwhile, has yet to confirm four other reported deaths in Baguio City and Itogon, Benguet, which were reported by the Philippine National Police and two mayors.

Ompong also triggered power outages and landslides, as well as stranded passengers and uprooted trees.

Government authorities also launched rescue operations in affected areas.

Ompong location

Ompong was last located at 4 p.m. 160 km west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte with maximum sustained winds of up to 160 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 195 km/h as it moves west northwest at 25 km/h.

The Habagat or Southwest Monsoon remains enhanced by Ompong and will bring gusty winds with occasional moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas and MIMAROPA.

Meanwhile, Bicol Region and Eastern and Central Visayas will have scattered light to moderate to at times heavy rain.

"Residents in these areas, especially those living near river channels, in low-lying areas and in mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and to continue monitoring for updates," PAGASA said.

In their final storm surge warning, PAGASA wrote that surge heights have reached an insignificant level or less than one meter "due to gradual weakening of the typhoon."

Low-lying coastal communities are still reminded of the possible effects of wind-driven waves.

In their final storm surge warning, PAGASA wrote that surge heights have reached an insignificant level or less than one meter "due to gradual weakening of the typhoon."

Low-lying coastal communities are still reminded of the possible effects of wind-driven waves. — MDM, GMA News