'Gener' makes landfall over Taiwan, new cyclone approaching

After causing several deaths in parts of the country, typhoon "Gener" (Saola) made landfall over Taiwan Thursday morning, even as state weather forecasters keep track of a new cyclone approaching Extreme Northern Luzon.

 

But the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said "Gener" will still enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rain to parts of Luzon for Thursday.

 

"Inaasahan natin mamayang hapon maaaring nasa labas na ito (Gener) ng ating Philippine area of responsibility. (Pero) paglabas niya, ang southwest monsoon ang nakakaapekto sa atin at bibigay ng ulan sa kanlurang bahagi ng Luzon," PAGASA forecaster Ricky Fabregas said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He said a new cyclone is approaching Extreme Northern Luzon but their models indicate it is not likely to directly affect the country.

 

Fabregas said the incoming cyclone, to be codenamed "Helen" if it enters Philippine territory, will likely graze the country's northeastern part.

 

"Pinapakita ng forecast model papasok siya sa gilid ng Philippine area of responsibilkity, parang pagtahak ni 'Enteng,' sa northeastern part ng PAR," he said.

 

He also said that while the approaching cyclone may enhance the southwest monsoon, it will not cause as much heavy rain as "Gener" did.

 

Fabregas also said the country can expect gradually improving weather conditions once "Gener" leaves Philippine territory.

 

As of 4 a.m. Thursday, PAGASA said "Gener" was estimated at 405 km north of Basco, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

 

It is forecast to move north-northwest at 15 kph, PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. advisory.

 

"Luzon and Western Visayas will experience occasional rains becoming frequent over the western section of Luzon which may trigger flash floods and landslides. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms," it said.

 

It added moderate to strong winds from the southwest will prevail throughout the archipelago, making coastal waters moderate to rough.

 

Landfall over Taiwan

 

PAGASA also said "Gener" maintained its strength as it made landfall over Northeastern Taiwan.

 

By Friday morning, it said "Gener" is expected to be 610 km north-northwest of Basco, Batanes, outside the Philippine area of responsibility.

 

Only Batanes remained under Storm Signal No. 1, while storm signals in other areas had been lowered.

 

However, PAGASA said "Gener" is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rains and moderate to strong winds over Luzon and Western Visayas.

 

"Residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides," it said.

 

It also said "Gener" may still bring heavy to torrential rainfall or 10 to 35 mm per hour within its 800-km diameter.

 

"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the seaboard of Luzon and Visayas due to the combined effect of 'Gener' and the southwest monsoon," PAGASA said. –KG, GMA News