MANILA, Philippines - Tropical Storm Ramil (Fengshen) has made landfall for the fourth and final time, the weather bureau said on Sunday afternoon, October 19.
By 1 pm, Ramil was already in the vicinity of Olongapo City, Zambales. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the tropical storm is moving west northwest at 15 kilometers per hour (km/h), about to exit landmass and head for the West Philippine Sea.
So far, it still has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gustiness of up to 90 km/h.
Even as Ramil is set to exit landmass, it continues to bring moderate to intense rain to much of Luzon and parts of Western Visayas on Sunday. Affected areas are likely to see more floods and landslides.
Winds brought by Ramil are easing in some provinces, but Signal Nos. 1 and 2 remain in effect. Below are the areas under tropical cyclone wind signals as of 2 pm on Sunday.
Gale-force winds (62 to 88 km/h), minor to moderate threat to life and property
Strong winds (39 to 61 km/h), minimal to minor threat to life and property
The trough and outer rainbands of the tropical storm, as well as the easterlies, are also bringing strong to gale-force gusts to areas not under a wind signal in these regions and provinces:
PAGASA added that there is still a minimal to moderate risk of storm surges with peak heights of 1 to 2 meters in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, and Occidental Mindoro within 24 hours. Check the specific cities and municipalities here.
Sea conditions also remain dangerous on Sunday.
Up to very rough seas (travel is risky for all vessels)
Up to rough seas (small vessels should not venture out to sea)
Up to moderate seas (small vessels should take precautionary measures or avoid sailing, if possible)
Ramil is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday morning, October 20. Outside PAR, it is likely to intensify into a severe tropical storm.
La Niña is also underway in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which means the country may have above-normal rainfall in the coming months. - Rappler.com