The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued an updated weather forecast for September 1, 2024, with significant weather disturbances expected in various regions due to a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) and the prevailing Southwest Monsoon.
Location and Impact of the LPA
As of 5:00 AM, the LPA was estimated based on all available data at 175 km East Northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, or 205 km East of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, at coordinates 11.5°N, 127.3°E. This weather disturbance is expected to bring widespread rains and thunderstorms across several regions, primarily affecting areas in Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region.
Forecasted Weather Conditions
- Masbate, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Biliran will experience cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms due to the LPA. The impact of these weather conditions includes the potential for flash floods and landslides, especially in areas prone to heavy or intense rainfall.
- Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, Quezon, and the rest of Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and Bicol Region are also under the influence of the LPA. These areas will see cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms, with the risk of flash floods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.
- MIMAROPA, the rest of Visayas, and the rest of Mindanao will be affected by the Southwest Monsoon, leading to cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. The possibility of flash floods and landslides remains high in these regions due to the expected moderate to heavy rains.
- Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms. While less severe, these conditions still pose risks of flash floods and landslides during intense thunderstorms.
Wind and Coastal Water Conditions
Pagasa has also issued a forecast for wind and coastal water conditions across the country:
- The eastern sections of Southern Luzon and Visayas will experience moderate to strong winds coming from the northwest to southwest, with moderate to rough coastal waters (1.2 to 2.8 meters).
- The rest of Luzon will have light to moderate winds from the northeast to northwest, with slight to moderate coastal waters (0.6 to 2.5 meters).
- The rest of the country will see light to moderate winds from the south to southwest, with slight to moderate coastal waters (0.6 to 2.5 meters).
Rainfall Warnings and Advisories
Due to the ongoing weather disturbances, Pagasa has issued several rainfall warnings across affected regions:
- RED Warning Level: Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and parts of Cebu are under a Red Warning Level, indicating serious flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions. Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions and monitor further updates.
- ORANGE Warning Level: Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and several municipalities in Cebu are under an Orange Warning Level. Flooding threatens low-lying areas, and landslides are possible in mountainous regions.
- YELLOW Warning Level: Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and other parts of Cebu are under a Yellow Warning Level, suggesting that flooding is possible in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly areas.
In addition, Rainfall Advisories have been issued, indicating light to moderate with occasional heavy rains over areas such as Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and specific locations in Cebu and Negros Oriental. These conditions are expected to persist for the next few hours and may lead to localized flooding.
General Flood Advisories
General Flood Advisories have been issued for several regions, including CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and various parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Residents are urged to stay alert for updates from local authorities and to prepare for possible evacuations in flood-prone areas.
Pagasa advises the public to remain vigilant and to continue monitoring updates as the LPA and Southwest Monsoon bring significant rainfall to large portions of the country. Preventive measures should be taken, especially in areas under Red and Orange Warning Levels, to minimize risks associated with flooding and landslides.