Tropical Depression Ramil has intensified into a tropical storm Saturday morning, with Tropocal Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 raised in three areas in the Bicol region, according to the state weather bureau.
In its 5 a.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen) was tracked some 305 kilometers east of Juban, Sorsogon, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, gusts of up to 80 kph and moving west at 20 kph.
‘Ramil is forecast to move generally west northwestward towards the area of Central-Southern Luzon. On the forecast track, the center of RAMIL may make landfall or pass close to Catanduanes this afternoon or evening. Afterwards, it will continue moving west northwestward passing close to Vinzons, Camarines Norte and Polillo Islands tomorrow (19 October) morning,’ Pagasa said.
‘It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone,’ it added.
Pagasa also warned of rough seas in the Bicol region and the Cagayan – Isabela area.
‘Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels. All mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside,’ said Pagasa.
Areas under Signal No. 2
Camarines Norte
Catanduanes
Northern portion of Camarines Sur (Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Presentacion)
Areas under Signal No. 1
Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
Isabela
Quirino
Nueva Vizcaya
Apayao
Abra
Kalinga
Mountain Province
Ifugao
Benguet
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
La Union
Pangasinan
Aurora
Nueva Ecija
Eastern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, San Rafael, Angat),
Eastern portion of Tarlac (Camiling, San Clemente, Santa Ignacia, Paniqui, Moncada, San Manuel, Anao, Ramos, Pura, Victoria, City of Tarlac, La Paz, Concepcion, Gerona), the eastern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba)
Northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Atimonan, Padre Burgos, Unisan, Gumaca, Plaridel, Agdangan, Pagbilao, Mauban, Calauag, Guinayangan, Lopez, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, San Narciso, Buenavista, San Francisco, San Andres, Mulanay, General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Sampaloc) including Polillo Islands
Camarines Norte
Rest of Camarines Sur
Albay
Sorsogon
Burias Island
Ticao Island
Northern Samar
Northern part of of Samar (Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan, Calbayog City, Gandara, Santa Margarita, Pagsanghan, San Jorge) /gsg