Most of Samar on Sunday was still under Storm Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm Lawin (Jelawat) continued to move slowly northward, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomic Services Administration.

PAGASA Forecaster Chris Perez said their models still show there is still little chance Tropical Storm Lawin will make landfall on the country.

"Nasa Philippine Sea pa rin ito, hindi pa tumatama sa ating bansa," Perez said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He also said that though Metro Manila will not be affected by Lawin, it may experience rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA's 5 a.m. advisory said that northern, eastern and western Samar remain under Storm Signal No. 1.

As of 4 a.m., PAGASA said Lawin was estimated to be  485 kilometers east of Catarman, northern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph.

It continued to move slowly northward and is expected to be 480 km. east of Catarman, northern Samar Monday morning, and 460 km. east of Virac, Catanduanes by Tuesday morning.

By Wednesday morning, it is expected to be 595 km east of Baler, Aurora.

"Residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal #1 are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides," PAGASA warned.

It also said Lawin may bring an estimated rainfall of 10 to 25 mm per hour (heavy to intense) within its 600-km. diameter.

PAGASA also reminded fishing boats and other small seacraft not to venture out into the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao due to big waves generated by Lawin.

Earth Changes Media


Mitch Battros | 



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