Signal No. 2 still up over 6 areas as 'Maymay' moves north off La Union

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Maymay (international name: Kujira) continued to move northward over the sea west of La Union on Wednesday, with some parts of Northern Luzon remaining under Signal No. 2.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin on Wednesday, August 5, state weather bureau PAGASA said the center of Maymay was estimated at 185 kilometers west northwest of Bacnotan, La Union.

It was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour, gustiness of up to 80 kph, and was moving northward at 10 kph.

PAGASA said Maymay may still make landfall over Ilocos Sur or La Union by Wednesday evening or early Thursday before crossing Northern and Central Luzon.

Wind signals

The following areas are under Signal No. 2:

• Ilocos Sur
• Northern and central La Union: Luna, Caba, Santol, Bauang, City of San Fernando, San Juan, Bagulin, Aringay, Bangar, San Gabriel, Burgos, Naguilian, Bacnotan, Sudipen and Balaoan
• Northwestern Pangasinan: Anda, Bolinao and Bani
• Southwestern Abra: Manabo, Pidigan, Langiden, Luba, Boliney, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Tubo, Villaviciosa, Pilar, Peñarrubia, San Isidro, San Quintin, Bangued, Bucay, Danglas, La Paz and Tayum
• Western Mountain Province: Besao, Tadian, Bauko, Sagada and Sabangan
• Northwestern Benguet: Mankayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, Sablan and Bakun

Areas under Signal No. 2 may experience gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kph within 24 hours, posing a minor to moderate threat to life and property.

Meanwhile, the following areas are under Signal No. 1:

• Ilocos Norte
• Rest of La Union
• Rest of Pangasinan
• Apayao
• Rest of Abra
• Kalinga
• Rest of Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Rest of Benguet
• Mainland Cagayan
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Northern Zambales: Candelaria, Santa Cruz, Masinloc and Palauig
• Northern Tarlac: Mayantoc, San Clemente, Camiling, Santa Ignacia, Gerona, Paniqui, Moncada, San Manuel, Anao, Ramos and Pura
• Northern Nueva Ecija: Carranglan, Lupao, Cuyapo, Talugtug, Nampicuan, Guimba, Science City of Muñoz, San Jose City and Pantabangan
• Northern and central Aurora: Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan and Dipaculao

Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience strong winds of 39 to 61 kph within 36 hours, posing minimal to minor threats to life and property.

Strong winds, sea conditions

PAGASA said the southwest monsoon and the outer circulation of Maymay will continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of Luzon and Visayas on Wednesday. By Thursday and Friday, these gusty conditions may affect most parts of the country.

A gale warning also remains in effect over the western seaboard of Northern Luzon.

Very rough seas of up to 5 meters are expected over the coasts of Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan, where all types of vessels are advised to remain in port or seek shelter.

Track, intensity

PAGASA said Maymay is forecast to move generally eastward and cross Northern and Central Luzon after making landfall.

The tropical storm is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by Thursday morning and may further weaken into a low pressure area by Thursday afternoon or evening after moving inland.