Signal No. 1 up over Bicol, Quezon as 'Luis' strengthens

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over parts of Bicol and Quezon as Tropical Depression Luis moved northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Quezon province on Sunday, Aug. 2.

The signal was in effect over Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and the northern portion of Camarines Sur, covering Caramoan, Presentacion, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, San Jose, Tigaon and Calabanga.

These areas may experience winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour, with minimal to minor impacts to life and property possible. PAGASA said the possibility of raising Signal No. 2 could not be ruled out.

As of 10 a.m., the center of Luis was located 400 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon.

It had maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, gusts of up to 70 kph. Luis was moving northwestward at 15 kph, with strong winds extending up to 150 kilometers from its center.

Forecast track

Luis is forecast to continue moving generally northwestward over the next 24 hours before turning east-northeastward for the rest of the forecast period.

Its center is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea based on PAGASA's latest forecast track.

The weather bureau said, however, that a westward shift in the track could result in a close approach or landfall over Northern or Central Luzon.

PAGASA also cautioned that the cyclone's track may still shift within the forecast confidence cone.

Luis is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours while moving over the waters east of Central Luzon.

It is likely to remain a tropical storm only briefly before weakening as it turns east-northeastward. It may be downgraded into a remnant low by Wednesday, August 5, before being absorbed into the circulation of Typhoon Dolphin.

Strong gusts outside signal areas

The southwest monsoon and the outer circulation of Luis may bring strong to gale-force gusts, particularly in exposed coastal and upland areas.

On Sunday, these conditions may affect Marinduque, the southern portions of the Mindoro provinces, Romblon, mainland Masbate, Caluya Islands, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Camiguin and Dinagat Islands.

On Monday and Tuesday, strong to gale-force gusts may affect most of Luzon and the Visayas, as well as Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental.

PAGASA issued a separate weather advisory for the rainfall expected from Luis and the southwest monsoon.