‘Domeng’ less likely to make landfall but will bring rains

Tropical depression “Domeng” is still less likely to make landfall but it will bring moderate to heavy rains over Bicol Region, Eastern and Western Visayas, Southern, Central and Northern Luzon, and Metro Manila beginning Thursday, according the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

“Domeng” has maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 60 kph before Wednesday noon, and continues to move north-northwest at 15 kph.

Its location was estimated at 805 kilometers (km) east of Catarman, Northern Samar yesterday, Wednesday.

PAGASA yesterday warned of possible flash floods and landslides over low-lying or mountainous areas in Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and Masbate due to moderate to heavy rains from the outer circulation of the cyclone.

The weather bureau said “Domeng” may also trigger the onset of rainy season with the prevalence of the southwest monsoon or habagat. The habagat could bring moderate to heavy rains over Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo beginning Thursday.

Moderate to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon will prevail over the rest of western Luzon including Metro Manila by Friday, PAGASA said.

By today, Thursday, “Domeng” is expected at 715 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, and by Friday, about 835 km east of Casiguran, Aurora.

By Saturday, the cyclone will be at 1,030 km east of Basco, Batanes, and by Sunday, it will already be outside the country’s area of responsibility.