#EMONGPH
Emong intensifies into severe tropical storm, prompts Signal No. 3 in Northern Luzon
Emong has intensified into a severe tropical storm is now on the verge of becoming a typhoon, prompting the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 over parts of Northern Luzon. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Dante is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) later today.
As of 5:00 AM today, TCWS No. 3 has been raised in northern Pangasinan and western La Union, indicating a serious threat from strong winds.
At 4:00 AM, Severe Tropical Storm Emong was located 245 kilometers west of Bacnotan, La Union. It is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 135 kph. Forecasters anticipate Emong to intensify further as it makes a turn over the West Philippine Sea.
The latest projections show Emong passing close to Pangasinan this afternoon before making landfall over Ilocos tonight or early Friday. Following landfall, the storm is expected to continuously weaken while tracking northeastward, passing close to the Babuyan Islands. It may exit the PAR as a remnant low on Saturday.
In addition to Signal No. 3, TCWS No. 2 is in effect for most of the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region, as well as western Nueva Vizcaya, signifying strong winds that could cause moderate to significant damage.
TCWS No. 1 has also been raised over a broader area, including northern Zambales, Tarlac, most of Nueva Ecija and Cagayan Valley, and the rest of Pangasinan and Apayao. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Dante, last spotted 790 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, has maintained its strength with maximum winds of 75 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is moving north northwestward at 15 kph and is anticipated to exit the PAR this afternoon or evening.
Authorities urge residents in affected areas to take all necessary precautions, remain vigilant, and heed local disaster risk reduction and management office advisories. Fishing vessels and small boats are advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas due to rough seas.
