Marilyn weakens, moves northeast

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical depression Marilyn has slightly weakened as it moved northeast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the center of Marilyn was estimated at 1,310 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph, Marilyn was moving northeast at 10 kph.

PAGASA said the southwest monsoon could bring occasional to frequent light to moderate with intermittent heavy rains over Mindoro provinces, Palawan, Sulu, Western Visayas and Zamboanga peninsula.

“Bicol region, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Mimaropa and the Visayas will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms,” PAGASA said.

The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.

Residents in these areas have been advised to watch out for floods and rain-induced landslides, coordinate with local officials, and monitor weather updates. Sea travel is risky, especially for small seacraft, over the western seaboard of Southern Luzon and the seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao due to potentially rough sea condition.

Marilyn remains less likely to make landfall in the country and may weaken into a low-pressure area. However, potential re-development into a tropical depression is likely.