Heavy rains expected over Cagayan, Isabela as Sarah slightly intensifies

Track of Tropical Storm Sarah as of 10 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2019. PHOTO FROM PAGASA WEBSITE

Light to moderate with occasional heavy rains is expected over the eastern portions of Cagayan and Isabela from Wednesday evening to Thursday, PAGASA said in its Severe Weather Bulletin issued on Wednesday night.

According to the 11 p.m. bulletin, light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains is also expected over the rest of Cagayan and Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, and Ifugao.

The remnant of low pressure area of Tropical Depression Ramon was estimated in the vicinity of Capas, Tarlac will also bring light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains over most of Central Luzon on Wednesday night and Thursday, PAGASA added.

As of 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Tropical Storm Sarah was last estimated at 440 kilometers east northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

Sarah "slightly intensified and accelerated" as it moves northwestward at 35 kph.

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) no. 1 remains hoisted over the following areas due to Tropical Storm Sarah:

• Batanes
• northeastern portion of Cagayan: Calayan, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Santa Ana, Lal-lo and Gattaran

According to PAGASA, the TCWS over Batanes may be upgraded to TCWS no. 2 in the next bulletin, which will be issued at 5 a.m. on Thursday.

The weather bureau advised residents of affected areas to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and monitor for updates.

Due to Sarah and the Northeast Monsoon, PAGASA also cautioned against sea travel over the seaboards of areas under TCWS, seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon, and the western seaboard of Southern Luzon due to potentially rough sea conditions. — BAP, GMA News