Tropical Depression “Emong” accelerates as it continues to approach Batanes-Babuyan Islands area.
At 4:00 PM today, the center of Tropical Depression “EMONG” was estimated based on all available data at 215 km East Northeast of Calayan, Cagayan or 160 km East Southeast of Basco, Batanes.
It is moving Northwestward at 45 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.
Today through tomorrow (6 July) morning, “EMONG” is forecast to bring moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Under these conditions and considering antecedent rainfall, isolated to scattered flash flooding and rain-induced landslides are highly likely, especially in areas with high or very high susceptibility to these hazards as identified in hazard maps. Adjacent or nearby areas may also experience flooding in the absence of such rainfall occurrence due to surface runoff or swelling of river channels.
Areas where Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) #1 is hoisted will be experiencing strong winds (strong breeze to near gale) during the passage of the tropical depression. However, the projected track and intensity suggests the possibility of hoisting TCWS #2 over portions of the localities presently under TCWS #1.
Tropical Depression Emong accelerates towards Batanes-Babuyan Islands
The tropical depression is forecast to continue moving generally northwestward as it approaches the Extreme Northern Luzon-Taiwan area. On the forecast track, the center of the tropical depression will pass close or make landfall in the vicinity of Batanes-Babuyan Islands area between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM tonight. “EMONG” may likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow early morning and will continue moving northwestward towards Fujian, China.
“EMONG” may intensify into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours. After passing south of southern Taiwan, “EMONG” may weaken into a tropical depression due to its interaction with the rugged terrain. It will then weaken into a remnant low as it moves further inland over Jiangxi, China.
Under the influence of the tropical depression, rough to very rough seas (2.5 to 5.5 m) will be experienced over the seaboards of areas under TCWS #1 and the remaining seaboard of Cagayan. Sea travel is risky over these waters, especially for those using small seacrafts. Mariners without the proper experience should immediately seek safe harbor.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.