Storm expected to enter PH today

Weather forecasters said tropical storm “Bavi” (international name) is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) today and will bring rains to provinces in Eastern Luzon on Thursday.

Aldczar Aurelio said the cyclone will be named “Betty,” the second storm to hit the country this year after tropical storm “Amang” (International name: Mekkhala) during the visit of Pope Francis in January.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ( PAGASA) said the cyclone is expected to bring rains in Southern Tagalog, Bicol Region, and Central Luzon – areas within

the track of the storm.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed all its units in Bicol on heightened alert which is in the path of the storm.

“The Bicol district has been advised to be ready. The people who will travel to these areas should check on the weather because they may be stranded,” said PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo.

Coast Guard units are also monitoring closely ships and passengers from Matnog Port in Sorsogon going to Allen, Samar and Catanduanes and those from Romblon going to Legazpi, Albay.

All maritime vessels are not allowed to sail or leave port when a public storm warning signal is raised.

As of 2 a m. yesterday, “Bavi’’ was estimated at 2,100 km east of Bicol with maximum winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph moving west-southwest at 35 kph.

Aurelio said if the storm continues its westward movement, stormy weather will be felt Thursday.

The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over Luzon. (With a report from Raymund F. Antonio)