Thursday, August 25, 2011

PAGASA: 3 provinces under Signal 1 as Storm Mina nears Luzon

source: gmanews.tv


At least three areas in Northeastern Luzon were placed under Storm Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm Mina (Nanmadol) inched closer near Luzon, state weather forecasters said Thursday.

But Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Jori Loiz said Mina is still not likely to make landfall.

"Unti-unting lumalapit ng kalupaan si Mina... pero hindi natin ine-expect na tatama siya ng kalupaan," Loiz said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said Storm Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over Northern Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan provinces.

Loiz said Mina is moving north-northwest, adding PAGASA may raise its status to a typhoon.

PAGASA's classification of tropical cyclones are as follows:
A tropical depression has a maximum wind speed of up to 63 kph.

A tropical storm has a maximum wind speed of 64 to 118 kph.

A typhoon has a maximum wind speed exceeding 118 kph.
Meanwhile, an 8 a.m. PAGASA update said Mina is expected to be at 290 km east of Casiguran, Aurora by Friday morning and at 280 km east of Tuguegarao City by Saturday morning.

By Sunday morning, it will be at 260 km east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Metro Manila braces vs rain, winds

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday said Metro Manila outdoor advertising firms have rolled down their tarpaulins in preparation for possible rain and winds from Mina.

In its 6 a.m. update, the NDRRMC also said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will take a proactive approach to warn fishermen and residents in coastal areas of possible big waves.

"(Outdoor) Advertising Association of the Philippines members have rolled down their tarpaulin advertisements," the NDRRMC said.

Also, the Office of the Civil Defense in Metro Manila activated a task force and advised Marikina, Pasig and Muntinlupa Cities on the water level of Nangka and Marikina Rivers.

They also alerted local government units and response agencies concerned "and advised them to be on standby for possible response operations," the NDRRMC added.

For its part, the PCG directed all district commanders "to take more proactive steps or measures in notifying or recalling fishermen before the onset or during severe weather conditions."

The NDRRMC said the PCG also reminded districts to make sure their stations and detachments "promptly initiate and/or encourage aggressive public information and dissemination through wide use of the tri-media and local government units" in warning the coastal residents and local fishermen.

Earlier, Science Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr. said Mina may become a typhoon if it continues to linger and gather strength in Philippine territory.

PAGASA said its models indicate Mina may stay in Philippine territory until Tuesday.
source: gmanews.tv

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