Storm warning signal No. 2 hoisted over 3 provinces

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) yesterday raised public storm warning signal No. 2 over three provinces in Luzon as tropical storm “Jolina” continued to move westward.

Based on its 5 p.m. severe weather bulletin number 6, Pagasa placed the provinces of Aurora, Isabela and Cagayan under signal No. 2, expecting winds to reach between 61 to 100 kilometers per hour.

Pagasa said the strong winds would cause moderate damage to agriculture and a few large trees might be uprooted.

They also cautioned travelers that it would be risky for all types of sea vessels and aircraft to travel in these areas.

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Sea Air have cancelled their respective flights to Tuguegarao, Busuanga and San Jose, Mindoro.

Flights to the three provinces will resume as soon as the weather improves.

Those living along the coastlines under public storm warning signal No. 2 are advised to be on alert against big waves.

Northern Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Bataan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Pangasinan, La Union, Abra, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Ifugao, Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Apayao, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Batanes Group of Islands are now under public storm signal No. 1, which means that winds could go up to 30 to 50 kph within the next 36 hours.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the center of Jolina was estimated in the vicinity of Casiguran, Aurora or 90 kilometers east southeast of Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

Pagasa weather forecaster Joel Jesusa said the speed of Jolina was reduced to 17 kph as of 5 p.m. yesterday from 19 kph last Friday.               – Rudy Santos