Violent Conditions Loom as Typhoon Egay Impacts Eastern Babuyan Islands and Coastal Areas of Cagayan

Photo: PAGASA_DOST

CALAYAN, CAGAYAN - Typhoon Egay is moving closer to the coast of Calayan, Cagayan, and strong weather is developing over the eastern part of the Babuyan Islands. Severe risks are already harming the region's coastal seas and land due to the influence of this strong typhoon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued significant warnings and advisories to warn the public about the impending hazards posed by Typhoon Egay.

Heavy Rainfall Outlook:

 Heavy rain is expected to fall in the northern Philippines over the next 24 hours, according to forecasters. The northern portion of Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, as well as the northern portions of Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, are likely to get more than 200 mm of rain. Rainfall in Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, and numerous other provinces is forecast to range from 100 to 200 mm. Furthermore, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Benguet, Pangasinan, and Zambales may have moderate to heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 mm. Localities with elevated or mountainous terrains are more likely to experience flooding and rain-induced landslides, particularly in places prone to such dangers.

Strong Winds:

Within the next six hours, Typhoon Egay's core, particularly within the eyewall, is likely to produce violent and life-threatening conditions to the Babuyan Islands and perhaps to the coastal municipalities of mainland Cagayan. The severity of the storm's influence is classified into wind signals. Wind Signal No. 4 areas may face significant to severe impacts from typhoon-force winds, while Wind Signal No. 3 areas may experience moderate to significant impacts from storm-force winds. Gale-force winds are possible in Wind Signal No. 2 areas, while Wind Signal No. 1 areas may face mild to minor impacts from severe gusts. Residents in these locations are recommended to use extreme caution and follow every safety measure.

Flooding along the coast:

Low-lying and exposed coastal areas in Batanes, Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), Ilocos Norte, and parts of Isabela and Ilocos Sur are at high risk of storm surge. PAGASA issued Storm Surge Warning #8 at 8:00 PM today, urging residents to brace for probable floods. Maximum surge heights of more than 3.0 meters are forecast in most warning regions, highlighting the importance of taking precautionary measures.

Coastal Water Hazards include:

Several coastal waterways around the seaboards of Luzon, Visayas, and Northeastern Mindanao are experiencing rough to very high seas as a result of Typhoon Egay. The Gale Warning #6 issued today at 5:00 PM instructs all vessels to stay in port or seek safe harbor until the winds and seas diminish. Small boats are likewise advised to use caution when navigating these waters.

Track and Intensity Outlook:

Within the next 12 hours, Egay is expected to move westward or west-northwestward through the Luzon Strait, making landfall near the Babuyan Islands. Slight changes in the course to the north or south might result in landfall or a close encounter over northern mainland Cagayan or Batanes. Egay will head northwestward or north-northwestward after passing the Babuyan Islands, crossing the waters south and southwest of Taiwan before leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning. Egay is expected to make landfall on Friday morning in Fujian, China. Although the typhoon is predicted to diminish along its route, the process may take longer than expected due to relatively favorable climatic circumstances balancing the impact of land interaction with steep terrains in Northern Japan.

Strength and current location:

According to the most recent reports, the core of Typhoon Egay was projected to be in the coastal seas of Calayan, Cagayan, at coordinates 19.0°N, 122.3°E. The storm is heading west-northwest at 10 km/h, with maximum sustained winds around the center reaching 175 km/h and gusts reaching 215 km/h.

Authorities are asking residents in affected areas to stay attentive and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this severe weather event. Emergency response teams are ready to respond to any potential emergencies.

EXTERNAL LINKS✎_____________________ 

https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/tropical-cyclone/severe-weather-bulletin

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