Instruments of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Visayas in Mactan, Cebu are among those affected when lightning struck during a severe thunderstorm evening on July 15, 2024.

Cebu has been experiencing rainy weather and is expected to continue experiencing such until July 18, 2024 due to the Low Pressure Area (LPA) spotted within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Among those affected by the lightning strike is PAGASA-Visayas’ dipole antenna.

The station’s land switch, workstations, radar, and upper air sounding equipment are also affected.

The station assured that its work will not be disrupted as it has back-up workstations in Alburquerque, Bohol.

Engr. Al Quiblat, the chief of PAGASA’s Regional Services Division in Mactan, said the downpour evening on July 15 was a severe thunderstorm.

The thunderstorm lasted for two hours, from 8:40 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.

The thunderstorm dumped 62.3 mm or 311,500 galons of water in every square kilometer in Metro Cebu, particularly in Lapu-Lapu City.

LPA

Meanwhile, the cloud cluster within PAR developed into an LPA at 8 a.m. on July 16. It was spotted 485 kilometers east of Davao City.

PAGASA said there is less chance it will develop into a storm.

Rain was experienced in Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands on July 16.

On July 17, rain may fall in Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands.