Tropical Depression Emong moved closer to Catanduanes province in Bicol before noon Monday but state weather forecasters said it is not likely to make landfall over any part of the country.
PAGASA forecaster Alvin Pura said their models show that while Emong may intensify in the next 24 hours, it is also likely to veer north and head for Taiwan.
“Hindi inaasahan natin itong mag-landfall. Inaasahan natin itong tumaas at papunta ng Taiwan,” Pura said in an interview on dzBB radio.
But he also said Emong is likely to intensify in the next 24 hours as it moves closer toward land.
Pura also said there is a possibility Emong may interact with a forming low-pressure area west of Ilocos region later this week.
Emong moving west-northwest
PAGASA, in its 11 a.m. bulletin, said Emong maintained its strength as it remained over the East Philippine Sea.
It said that as of 10 a.m., Emong was estimated at 280 km east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum winds of 55 kph near the center.
Emong was moving west-northwest at 11 kph and is expected to be 230 km northeast of Virac, Catanduanes Tuesday morning.
By Wednesday morning, it is expected to be 330 km east of Aparri, Cagayan.
Emong is forecast to be 400 km northeast of Basco, Batanes by Thursday morning.
While no storm warning signals have been raised, PAGASA said Emong may bring rainfall of 5 to 15 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within its 300-km diameter.
It said that while Tropical Depression Emong is still far to directly affect any part of the country, it will enhance the southwest monsoon that will “bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.” —KG, GMA News
