Storm signals up as ‘Henry’ intensifies

PAGASA has hoisted Signal No.1 over Batanes, Babuyan and Calayan group of islands, as well as Cagayan as Typhoon ‘Henry’ has steadily intensified from its storm strength last week.

‘Henry’, which also picked up speed, has sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph. The weather disturbance was last estimated 340 kilometers Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.

‘Henry’ is forecast to move northwest at 20 kph and bring moderate to heavy rains within a 500 kilometer diameter including Eastern Visayas, the Bicol region, Dinagat and Siargao Islands, as well as the province of Surigao del Norte.

Despite its current distance, ‘Henry’ is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over Luzon and Visayas.

PAGASA says the southwest monsoon is expected to be even stronger while it’s in the north.

Initially forecast not to hit land, weather bureau PAGASA says the typhoon could further strengthen, adding there’s a chance it will even make landfall in Northern Luzon.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Aurora, Mimaropa, Bicol and western Visayas, including Metro Manila from tonight into tomorrow.

Flashfloods and landslides are also possible.