Typhoon Domeng strengthens into tropical storm, expected to enhance Habagat

Domeng and Habagat. Video image from DOST-Pagasa shows how Southwest monsoon winds are drawn ( lower left, arrows over clouds) to Typhoon Domeng (in circle). DOST Pagasa says these two weather systems will send rains and cause thunderstorms over western and eastern sections of Luzon and Western Visayas in the next three days. (photo courtesy of DOST Pagasa) 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and DOST-Pagasa urged residents in Aurora, Bataan, Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Bicol Region and Western Visayas to coordinate with their disaster risk reduction and management offices in preparation for the effects of Typhoon Domeng that has intensified into a tropical storm.

With the strengthening of Typhoon Domeng, DOST Pagasa said it will further enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and send rains over Metro Manila and western parts of Luzon and Visayas.

“This is the time of the year…very conducive for the enhancement of Habagat,” said Chris Perez, Senior Weather Specialist of DOST Pagasa in a press briefing Friday morning.

Domeng remained “less likely to make landfall” according to DOST Pagasa Severe Weather Bulletin No. 7.

At 10:00 am today, the center of Tropical Storm Domeng was estimated based on all available data at 655 km East of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Domeng has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph: it is forecasted to move North Northeast at 17 kph

Perez also said Habagat may cause rough to very rough seas in the western and eastern coast of Luzon as well at the western coast of Visayas.

He urged fisherfolks and owners of small fishing vessels to avoid venturing into sea in the next three days.

Based on the Gale Warning Update issued Friday by NDRRMC (sourced from DOST Pagasa forecast),  strong to gale force winds are expected over the coasts of Camarines provinces, Catanduanes, eastern coasts of Albay and Quezon including Polilio Island, the coasts of Northern and Eastern Samar.

These coasts are expected to experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms with wind force from 45 to 63 kilometers per hour.

Large sea vessels are likewise warned against big waves which may reach up to 4 and half meters.