Tropical Storm Jolina continues to weaken

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Jolina (international name Pakha) continues to weaken and is now over the western coast of Ilocos Norte after crossing the rugged terrain of northern Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA said Saturday morning.

At 7 a.m., the eye of the tropical storm was located at 75 kilometers west southwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte and packs maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour with gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

It is likely to move west northwest at 20 kilometers per hour.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected within the 300-kilometer diameter of the tropical storm.

"Sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon," PAGASA said.

Areas under storm warning signals are the following:

Signal No. 2

• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur

Signal No. 1

• Apayao
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Kalinga
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• Abra
• Nueva Vizcaya

Tropical Storm Jolina made a landfall over Casiguran, Aurora on Friday night. 

PAGASA warned residents living in coastal areas under Signal No. 2 of storm surges which may reach up to a fourteen-meter wave height.

"Monsoon rains is expected over the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon, while light to moderate with possible occasionally heavy rains due to thunderstorms will prevail over the rest of Luzon," the state weather bureau said.

Residents in the areas and those under storm warning signals are warned against possible flashfloods and landslides. 

"Jolina" is expected to exit in the northern boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday night.