Dodong in West Philippine Sea; to bring rain in La Union, Pangasinan

Tropical Depression Dodong will continue bring rain over La Union and Pangasinan as it continues to move in  the West Philippine Sea.

According to PAGASA's Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 9 issued at past 11 p.m., the forecast accumulated rainfall for Friday night to Saturday is 50 mm to 100 mm for the two provinces.

"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," PAGASA said.

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

Signal No. 1 has been raised over Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

The enhanced Southwest Monsoon may bring gusty conditions over the following areas on Friday night and on Saturday:

• Areas in Ilocos Region not under any wind signal,
• Cordillera Administrative Region,
• Batanes,
• Isabela,
• Quirino,
• Nueva Vizcaya,
• Central Luzon,
• Metro Manila,
• CALABARZON,
• MIMAROPA,
• Bicol Region, and
• Western Visayas.

Moderate to rough seas

PAGASA said Dodong and the enhanced southwest monsoon are expected to cause moderate to rough seas over the eastern (1.5 meters to three meters) and western (two meters to four meters) seaboards of Northern Luzon.

Moderate to rough seas are also expected over the western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon (two meters to four meters).

"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," PAGASA said.

Northwest of Dagupan

As of 10 p.m. on Friday, the center of Dodong was estimated at 160 kilometers northwest of Dagupan City

It had maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, gustiness of up to 70 kph, and central pressure of 998 hPa

It was moving southwestward at 15 kph with strong winds that extend outwards up to 150 kilometers from the center.

Dodong is expected move northwestward until Sunday morning while slowly moving faster before turning more west northwestward  towards southern China.

Expected PAR exit

The tropical depression may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibilityon Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Dodong is forecast to reach tropical storm category on Saturday and may become a severe tropical storm on Monday over the waters south of Hong Kong.

Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property," the weather bureau said.

"Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials," it added. 

Angat, Ipo dams

PAGASA on Friday said the continuous rains from Tropical Depression Dodong and the southwest monsoon raised the water levels at the Angat and Ipo dams.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras," PAGASA said the Angat Dam reservoir must reach the spilling level of 210 meters before the year ends.

"Dahil nga sa napakababang lebel ng Angat Dam, kailangan pa rin natin ng apat hanggang limang bagyo para umabot ito sa 210 meters elevation," said PAGASA Hydrologist, Richard Orendain.

(Due to Angat Dam's low water level, we will need up to five tropical cyclones to reach the 210-meter elevation.)

Meanwhile, the water level in the Novaliches Portal increased due to the rain, aside from the allocation it gets from the Angat Dam.

"Pag umulan sa may Ipo watershed, 'yung Ipo Dam, name-maintain siyang mataas," said Maynilad Corporate Communications Head Jennifer Rufo.

(When it rains at the Ipo watershed, the Ipo Dam, the high water level is maintained.)

"So basta mataas yung level ng Ipo Dam, kahit konti 'yung nilalabas ng Angat, nami-meet niya yung shortfall," she added.

(Just as long as the Ipo Dam level is high, even if Angat doesn't release much, the shortfall is met.)

Metro Manila ordinances

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Council was expected to issue ordinances on ways to save water as they look into methods to help entrepreneurs and businesses that use water.

"Depende talaga kung gaano maging kababa ang lebel ng dams natin na siyang pinagkukunan ng tubig sa Metro Manila," said Metro Manila Council President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.

(It depends on how far the levels drop at our dams - Metro Manila's water source.)

"Huwag na sanang umabot sa punto na kinakailangan nating maglalagay pa ng cap sa paggamit ng tubig," he added.

(Hopefully, we won't have to put a cap on the use of water.) —NB, GMA Integrated News