The weather bureau reported yesterday the release of water from Ambuklao and Binga dams as tropical depression “Gener” approached Northern Luzon.
At 8 am Monday, PAGASA placed both dams under flood watch as they were near their spilling levels.
Apart from the two dams, La Mesa, Ipo, and Magat dams were also close to their ‘high water level’.
PAGASA has forecast heavy rainfall due to Gener and the southwest monsoon as well as tropical storm Pulasan which is moving towards the country from Marianas islands.
The center of the eye was estimated at 290 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
It was moving northwestward at 10 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.
Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 was raised in 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.
Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1.
“Gener” and tropical cyclone “Pulasan” outside the Philippine area of responsibility will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon.
“Gener” is forecast to make landfall in the vicinity of Isabela or Aurora Monday night or Tuesday early morning, and may likely emerge over the coastal waters of La Union or Pangasinan today late morning or noon.
It is forecast to move generally westward over the West Philippine Sea until Wednesday before turning northwestward on Thursday as it heads towards southern mainland China.
It may exit the PARP between Tuesday late evening and Wednesday morning.
It will likely cross the landmass of mainland Luzon as a tropical depression, although the possibility of reaching tropical storm category or slight weakening prior to landfall is not ruled out.
Over the West Philippine Sea, “Gener” may reach tropical storm category Tuesday evening or on Wednesday morning.
