Heavy to intense rains are expected in some areas of the country on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the government’s weather bureau PAGASA said yesterday.
In its 5 p.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said the forecast is due to a shear line that is affecting the country. A shear line, according to PAGASA is the convergence of cold air from the northeast monsoon (amihan) and warm winds from the Pacific Ocean (easterlies). This collision of winds can create clouds, rain showers, and thunderstorms.
The following weather conditions may be experienced on Christmas Eve:
• Heavy to intense rains (100-200 mm) – Northern Samar, Albay,
• Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Camarines Sur
• Moderate to heavy rains (50-100 mm) – Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Aklan, and Capiz
• The following weather conditions are expected on Christmas Day:
• Heavy to intense rains (100-200 mm) – Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,
• Catanduanes, Quezon, and Aurora
• Moderate to heavy rains (50-100 mm) – Isabela, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon
PAGASA said that forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas and that impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall.
“The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” PAGASA said.
“PAGASA Regional Services Divisions may issue Heavy Rainfall Warnings, Rainfall/Thunderstorm Advisories, and other severe weather information specific to their areas of responsibility as appropriate,” it added.
Meanwhile, tollways operators are bracing for a 10 to 15 percent increase in vehicle traffic due to the anticipated influx of motorists during the holiday season.
MPT South Corp. said it expects 10 to 15 percent vehicle traffic increase this holiday season, particularly with the opening of the new Segment 2 of Cavitex to and from Sucat.
“Same with CALAX as more travelers are expected to vacation in Tagaytay-Nasugbu area,” it added.
NLEX Corp. also expected a 10 percent increase in vehicle traffic for North Luzon Expressway, NLEX Connector Road and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway.
In 2024, NLEX recorded an average daily traffic of 334,000 vehicles, SCTEX 78,000, and the NLEX Connector 19,000.
Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. announced a toll-free initiative for motorists during select hours over the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Motorists can enjoy free toll passage on the following expressways — NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CAVITEX, and CALAX — during the festive hours of December 24 from 10:00 PM to December 25 at 6:00 AM, and again from December 31 at 10:00 PM to January 1 at 6:00 AM.
“Family time is priceless, especially during the holidays. Offering toll-free access is our humble gift to families who wish to maximize their time together,” Manuel V. Pangilinan, MPTC chairman and chief executive said.
MPTC noted that outside of these designated hours, standard toll fees will be applicable.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, motorists are encouraged to have their RFID checked at the nearest Easytrip service center prior to entering the expressways.
“We also recommend that cash-paying customers switch to RFID for greater convenience and efficiency,” MPTC said.
