Heavy rains over Batanes as Obet moves closer

Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected over Batanes and Babuyan Islands as Tropical Depression Obet maintains strength as it moves closer, PAGASA said.

In its 11 p.m. weather bulletin, the state weather bureau said Signal No. 1 remains over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga).

Obet is forecast to head generally westward until Saturday and its center is likely to pass over or very close to Batanes Friday night. It is seen to gradually intensify and may reach tropical storm category Saturday.  It is expected  to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility the same day.

PAGASA said that throughout the passage of Obet, strong winds may be experienced within any of the areas where Signal No. 1 is hoisted.

Under the influence of the surge of the Northeast Monsoon, a marine gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

In the next 24 hours, the combined effects of the surge of the Northeast Monsoon and the tropical cyclone may also bring moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.0 m) over the seaboards of Central Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon.

As 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.

PAGASA said further intensification is likely once the tropical cyclone moves over the West Philippine Sea.—LDF, GMA News