A storm surge warning was raised over parts of Luzon on Friday morning as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) intensified while moving toward northern Aurora and southern Isabela, the state weather bureau said.
In its 8 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge may affect the following coastal areas within the next 24 hours:
Areas with 2.1 to 3 meters of storm surge heights
Aurora: Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Baler, Dipaculao, San Luis
Cagayan: Abulug, Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey, Claveria, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Pamplona, Peñablanca, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, Santa Teresita, Calayan
Isabela: Dinapigue, Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan
Ilocos Norte: Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Pagudpud, Pasuquin
Areas with 1 to 2 meters of storm surge heights
Ilocos Norte: Badoc, Currimao, Laoag City, Paoay
Ilocos Sur: Cabugao, Caoayan, Candon, City of Vigan, Magsingal, Narvacan, San Esteban, San Juan (Lapog), San Vicente, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sinait, Tagudin
La Union: Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Bauang, Caba, San Fernando, Luna, Rosario, San Juan, Santo Tomas
Pangasinan: Agno, Anda, Bani, Binmaley, Bolinao, Burgos, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, Dasol, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, San Fabian, Sual
Quezon: Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polillo
Zambales: Botolan, Cabangan, Candelaria, Iba, Masinloc, Palauig, Santa Cruz
For storm surges ranging from 1 to 2 meters, communities are placed under a moderate risk level. Pagasa said minimal to moderate damage may occur in coastal areas, particularly affecting homes and marine infrastructure near the shore.
The agency added that localized flooding is possible in low-lying coastal zones, which can disrupt daily routines, including fishing and other marine activities.
Storm surges reaching 2.1 to 3 meters fall under the high-risk category. Pagasa said these can cause moderate to significant damage to coastal communities, marine facilities, and livelihoods that depend on the sea.
Paolo was tracked some 150 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph), gusts of up to 125 kph, and moving west-northwest at 20 kph, according to Pagasa./mcm