Signal No. 1 up over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Isabela, Ilocos Norte as Neneng keeps strength

Signal No. 1 is hoisted over five areas in Luzon as Tropical Depression Neneng "slightly intensifies," according to PAGASA.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said the areas affected by the storm signal are:

• Batanes
• Cagayan
• the eastern portion of Apayao (Luna, Santa Marcela, Flora, Pudtol)
• the extreme northern portion of Isabela (Santa Maria, San Pablo, Maconacon)
• the extreme northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos)

PAGASA said Neneng maintained its strength while moving west southwestward.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains are possible over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and Abra.

Under these conditions, scattered flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazard as identified in hazard maps and in localities with significant antecedent rainfall, PAGASA added.

In a separate report, GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani" Cruz said Metro Manila will also experience rains over the weekend especially in the afternoon. Visayas and Mindanao will also experience localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA said the convergence between the circulation of Neneng and southwesterly winds may bring occasional gusts reaching strong breeze to near gale strength over Southern Luzon and Visayas.

Due to the surge of northeasterly surface wind flow, a marine gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon. 

In the next 24 hours, the surge of the northeasterly surface wind flow and the approaching tropical cyclone may also bring moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 m) over the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.

PAGASA said these conditions may be risky for those using small seacrafts. Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions.

Track

Neneng is forecast to turn more westward through Saturday morning or noon before turning more west northwestward for the rest of the day through Sunday while moving towards Luzon Strait.

Neneng may pass very close or make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands or Batanes on Sunday morning or afternoon, then exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday as it begins turning westward or west southwestward.

It is forecast to further intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea and may reach tropical storm category within 24 hours.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA News