MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Inday (International name Bavi) slightly weakened on Thursday morning but continues to pose a significant threat to Northern Luzon, according to the report of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA).
Based on the latest report of the weather bureau, Typhoon Inday continues to move northwestward over the Philippine Sea, prompting PAGASA to maintain Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals and warn of dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous sea conditions.
As of 11:00 a.m., the center of Typhoon Inday was located 865 kilometers east of Northern Luzon,packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour, gusts of up to 205 km/h, and a central pressure of 945 hPa, while moving northwestward at 15 km/h.
Despite its slight weakening, Inday remains a powerful typhoon with strong to typhoon-force winds extending up to 870 kilometers from its center.
Wind Signals Remain in Effect
Although Typhoon Inday weakens, the weather bureau maintains some areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1 and 2 due to the threat it carries.
Areas under signal no. 2
- Batanes
Areas under Signal no. 1
- Cagayan (including Babuyan Island, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and parts of Abra
- Mountain Province
- Ifugao
- Quirino
- Aurora
- Northern and Central Catanduanes
PAGASA warned that the southwest Monsoon or (Habagat) may enhance the effects of Typhoon Inday, and will continue to bring heavy rainfall and strong to gale-force winds across most parts of the country until Saturday, July 11.
Residents are advised to monitor the latest weather advisories as localized flooding, rain-induced landslides, and other weather-related hazards remain possible even outside areas under tropical cyclone wind signals.
Forecast Track
PAGASA forecasts that Typhoon Inday will continue moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea and is expected to make its closest approach to Extreme Northern Luzon between Friday evening (July 10) and Saturday morning (July 11).
The typhoon is then expected to move toward the southern islands of Japan and may pass close to or make landfall over northern Taiwan before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday. It is forecast to make another landfall over the eastern coast of mainland China by Saturday evening or early Sunday.
Inday is expected to remain a typhoon while inside the PAR before weakening into a severe tropical storm as it moves inland over China.
PAGASA urged residents, especially those in areas highly susceptible to flooding, landslides, storm surges, and strong winds, to remain alert and follow evacuation orders and other safety instructions issued by local government units and disaster management authorities. — Ericka Trinidad, Contributor