Domeng exits PAR; rains to continue

The southwest monsoon will continue to bring rains over parts of Luzon even as Severe Tropical Storm Domeng has exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

Domeng was monitored at 95 kilometers northeast of extreme northern Luzon as of yesterday, and was not directly affecting the weather in the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The weather disturbance was carrying maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

PAGASA said Domeng, which left PAR at around 10 a.m. yesterday, may pass very close or over Ryuku islands today.

Domeng was forecast to remain a tropical storm until today.

A gale warning remained in effect over the western seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon.

Moderate to rough seas will prevail over the remaining seaboards of Northern Luzon and the western seaboard of Southern Luzon, which may be risky for those using small seacraft.

Mariners were advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions.

Meanwhile, the state weather bureau said the southwest monsoon or habagat is affecting the western sections of Northern and Central Luzon.

Cloudy skies with scattered rains are expected over Ilocos region, Zambales and Bataan.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will see isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned the public of flashfloods or landslides during heavy rain.

Domeng is the fourth tropical cyclone to enter the country this year after Caloy last month and Agaton and Basyang, both in April.

Up to 15 tropical cyclones may enter or develop within PAR from July to December, PAGASA said. Two to three tropical cyclones can be expected this month.