MANILA – Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been hoisted over the eastern portions of Cagayan and Isabela provinces as Super Typhoon Betty maintained its strength, the weather bureau said Saturday.
Betty (international name Mawar), which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 2 a.m., packs maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph.
As of 11 a.m., it was tracked at 1,170 km. east of Central Luzon.
TCWS No. 1 has been raised over Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-Lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Santa Teresita, Buguey, including Babuyan and Camiguin Islands in Cagayan; and Maconacon, Divilacan, Dinapigue, Palanan, San Mariano, Ilagan City, Tumauini, San Pablo, and Cabagan in Isabela.
The affected areas may experience winds of 39 kph to 61 kph in at least 36 hours, or intermittent rains within 36 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
In the next 24 hours, the eastern seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas will experience moderate to rough seas, which may become rough to very rough.
The northern seaboard of Luzon may also experience moderate to rough seas until the afternoon, and rough seas beginning Saturday night.
Mariners of small vessels have been advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to the sea. If possible, they should avoid navigating in these conditions, PAGASA said.
The bureau forecast monsoon rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon over the western section of Mimaropa, the Visayas, and Mindanao on Sunday.
Betty is seen to maintain its strength for the next 36 hours to 48 hours, but a short-term intensification is not ruled out, PAGASA said.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines flights PR 437/438 between Manila and Nagoya; and CebGo flights 6881/6882 Manila-Surigao-Manila, were canceled on Saturday due to the weather. (PNA)
