Dodong to exit PH this weekend, but rains still expected — PAGASA

TROPICAL depression Dodong is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Saturday afternoon and early Sunday morning, but several areas in the country could still expect rain today.

As of Saturday morning, Dodong is over the West Philippine Sea of the Ilocos Region and has maintained its strength. It has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.

But all wind signals have been lifted, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration. 

PAGASA said the enhanced southwest monsoon may still bring gusty conditions today over the following areas, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds:

• Ilocos Region
• Cordillera Administrative Region
• Batanes
• The eastern portion of Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Zambales
• Bataan
• Bulacan
• Pampanga
• Aurora
• Metro Manila
• CALABARZON
• MIMAROPA
• Bicol Region
• Western Visayas

Flooding or landslides due to scattered to widespread rains are possible in these areas, it said. 

PAGASA also said Dodong is forecast to intensify while over the West Philippine Sea. It may reach tropical storm category today near the northwestern limit of the Philippine Area of Responsibility and may become a typhoon on Monday, it said 

Gale warning

The weather bureau also said strong to gale force winds associated with the southwest monsoon enhanced by Dodong are affecting the western seaboard of Luzon. 

These include Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, the western coast of Occidental Mindoro Including Lubang Island, and the western coast Of Palawan Including Kalayaan Islands.

The sea condition will be rough to very rough. Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out into the sea, while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.