Signal No. 2 up in parts of N. Luzon as Betty accelerates

MANILA – Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is hoisted over parts of Northern Luzon as Typhoon Betty slightly accelerated over the waters east of Cagayan, the weather bureau said Monday.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Betty is moving northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour, and was last tracked 525 km east of Aparri, Cagayan.

The typhoon packs maximum sustained winds of 155 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph.

Minor to moderate impacts caused by gale-force winds are likely in these areas where Signal No. 2 has been hoisted -- Batanes, the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan, Camiguin, Didicas, Pamuktan Islands), and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana).

TCWS No. 1 has been hoisted over the rest of Babuyan Islands, the rest of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, the northeastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Kasibu, Quezon, Solano, Bagabag, Diadi, Villaverde, Bayombong, Ambaguio), Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, the northern and central portions of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler), Polillo Islands, the northern portion of Catanduanes (Caramoran, Viga, Gigmoto, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Pandan), the northeastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Tinambac, Siruma), and the northern portion of Camarines Norte (Vinzons, Paracale, Jose Panganiban, Capalonga, Talisay, Daet, Mercedes, Basud) .

Strong breeze to near gale strength winds are likely in these areas.

Rough to high sea condition will prevail over the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon.

Rough to very rough seas are forecast over the southern seaboard of Southern Luzon, the western and eastern seaboards of the Visayas, and the eastern seaboard of Mindanao.

PAGASA warned that rough to high sea conditions are risky for all types of sea vessels.

The bureau advised mariners to remain in port or take shelter in port "until winds and waves subsi de".

Flight cancellation

Meanwhile, several local flights have been cancelled in anticipation of the effects of Betty.

For Monday, May 29, the canceled flights are: Philippine Airlines (PR)

PR2932/ 2933 Manila - Basco - Manila PR2198/ 2199 Manila - Laoag - Manila

Cebu Pacific (5J)

5J 196/ 197 Manila - Cauayan - Manila

5J 404/ 405 Manila - Laoag - Manila 5J 504/505 Manila - Tuguegarao - Manila 5J 506/ 507 Manila - Tuguegarao – Manila

CebGo (DG)

DG 6177/ 6178 Manila - Masbate - Manila

Betty is expected to move northwest slowly on Monday and may become almost stationary from Tuesday to Wednesday while over the waters east of Batanes, PAGASA said. (PNA)