‘Gener’ slightly strengthens; Signal No. 1 up over 19 Luzon areas

Metro Manila, Philippines — Tropical Depression Gener slightly intensified, with government meteorologists saying it was seen moving slowly off Aurora on Monday afternoon, Sept. 16.

In its 2 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised Signal No. 1 over the following areas across five regions in Luzon:

Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, and the northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real) including Polillo Islands.

PAGASA said minimal to minor impact from strong winds brought by Gener are possible in localities under Signal No. 1. The bureau warned authorities and residents of light damage to medium-and-high risk structures, including makeshift structures.

“Gener” is forecast to make landfall in the vicinity of Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours.

“Gener will likely cross the landmass of mainland Luzon as a tropical depression, although the possibility of reaching tropical storm category prior to landfall is not ruled out,” PAGASA said in its bulletin.

“Gener” and a tropical storm outside the PAR called “Pulasan” are enhancing the southwest monsoon or habagat.

From Monday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon, heavy to intense rains may be experienced over Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Aklan, Antique, and Negros Occidental.

Moderate to heavy rains may be felt over the rest of Mimaropa, the rest of Western Visayas, the rest of Negros Island Region, and Bicol region.

The intensified habagat will also bring strong to gale-force bursts of winds over Batanes, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga Region, and Davao Region.

“Gener” was spotted 305 kilometers (km) east northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or 325 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

The weather disturbance slightly intensified as it packed maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

The tropical cyclone has been moving west northwestward at 10 kph. Track forecast showed “Gener” will cross northern Luzon and emerge over the coastal waters of La Union or Pangasinan on Tuesday morning

It is seen to exit the PAR between late Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, “Pulasan,” a tropical storm last seen near Guam, will likely have a track similar to “Ferdie.”