Dodong maintains strength over Isabela; Signal No. 1 raised over 16 areas in Luzon

Tropical Depression Dodong maintains strength over the coastal waters of Dinapigue, Isabela with 16 areas under signal No. 1, according to the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin posted by PAGASA.

As of 1 a.m., the center of Dodong was estimated over the coastal waters of Dinapigue, Isabela packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and central pressure of 1000 hPa.

Dodong is moving west northwestward at a speed of 20 km/h with strong winds extend outwards up to 180 km from the center.

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

Luzon:

• Cagayan
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• the northern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, San Manuel, Sison, San Fabian, Pozorrubio, Bolinao, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Agno, Binmaley, Dagupan City, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Anda)
• the northern and central portions of Aurora (Maria Aurora, San Luis, Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag)
• the northern and eastern portions of Polillo Islands (Panukulan, Burdeos, Patnanungan, Jomalig)

The range of wind speed is 39 to 61 km/h (Beaufort 6 to 7) with potential impact of winds with minimal to minor threat to life and property.

Hazards affecting land areas

Forecast accumulated rainfall for today 50-100 mm in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, and the northern portion of Aurora.

"Under these conditions, 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 that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days," the weather bureau said.

Severe Winds

There are minimal to minor impacts from strong winds possible within any of the areas where Wind Signal No.1 is currently in effect.

The enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat may bring gusty conditions over MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, CALABARZON, Metro Manila, and other areas of Central Luzon not under any wind signal.

Hazards affecting coastal waters

PAGASA said that in the next 24 hours, Dodong and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon may bring moderate to rough seas over the eastern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon, and the western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.

"Mariners of small seacrafts are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea. If inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels, avoid navigating in these conditions," the agency added.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Dodong is forecast to track west northwestward or northwestward and cross the rugged landmass of Northern Luzon on Friday.

"After emerging over the waters west of Ilocos Region, the tropical depression is forecast to continue moving generally northwestward and may leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday or Sunday," said PAGASA.

The tropical depression is forecast to remain a tropical depression while in the PAR region and may reach tropical storm category by late Saturday or early Sunday as it moves out.  — BAP, GMA Integrated News