Batanes still under Storm Signal 3, even as Lawin weakens

Typhoon Lawin (Jelawat) weakened further as it continued to approach Northern Luzon before noon Thursday, but this was not enough for state weather forecasters to lower storm signals in nine areas in Northern Luzon.

 

PAGASA forecaster Chris Perez also said that while the weakening may indicate Lawin may be in the "dissipation stage," Lawin is not likely to dissipate while still inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

 

"Medyo humina ito kumpara noong nakaraang 6-12 oras, dahil may katagalan ang bagyong ito. Probably papunta ito sa dissipation stage pero hindi natin ine-expect na totally mag-dissipate ito while inside the PAR (Lawin has weakened compared to the last six to 12 hours. The weakening may indicate it is dissipating, but there is no sign it will dissipate while it is still inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility)," Perez said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He also said their models still show Lawin may exit the PAR Saturday morning, toward the southern island of Japan.

 

PAGASA's 11 a.m. advisory said Lawin remained a threat to Batanes.

 

As of 10 a.m., it said Lawin was estimated at 250 km east of Basco, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up 230 kph.

 

It was moving northwest at 13 kph and is expected to be 150 km north of Basco, Batanes Friday evening, and 500 km north-northeast of Basco, Batanes or at 190 km east of Northern Taiwan Saturday morning.

 

Batanes remained under Storm Signal No. 3 while still under Signal No. 2 are Cagayan, Calayan, and Babuyan Islands.

 

Under Signal No. 1 are Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, and Isabela.

 

"Residents living in coastal areas under public storm warning signal(s) are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this typhoon," PAGASA said.

 

It added Lawin may bring rain of 10 to 25 mm per hour (heavy to intense) within its 800-km diameter.

 

"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, the seaboards of Southern Luzon and Visayas due to big waves generated by Typhoon Lawin and the southwest monsoon," it said. — TJD, GMA News