Tropical storm Salome (International name: Haikui), according to national weather agency PAG-ASA, is now located over the West Philippine Sea off the coast , Cof Zambales. In a severe weather bulletin issued at 11:00 a.m., the eye of the storm is estimated at 175 kilometers west of Subic, Zambales. Storm signals have been lifted in areas in Luzon previously under storm signal number 1. PAG-ASA however warns residents of Central Luzon, Ilocos region, Cordillera and Cagayan Valley that Salome may bring moderate to heavy rainfall within the next 24 hours.
Salome Causes Class Suspensions And Flight Cancellations
Several areas declared class suspensions on Nov. 9 and 10 due to heavy rains brought on by Salome. On Nov. 10, most cities in Metro Manila suspended classes for all levels, as well as the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon. In Central Luzon, Bataan and the municipalities of Bocaue and Meycauayan in Bulacan also declared calls suspensions in anticipation of the storm’s effects.
On Nov. 9, as the storm was passing through southern Luzon and Metro Manila, several flights to Masbate were cancelled. Flights to Cagayan Valley were also suspended on Nov. 10, as Salome maintained its strength while moving away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Moderate To Heavy Rains May Bring Floods And Landslides
PAG-ASA also issued a warning to residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas in Luzon which is included in Salome’s 200-km diameter. Central Luzon and CALABARZON if heavy rains persist may experience flooding in low-lying areas and storm surges in coastal areas. Mountainous areas such as the Cordillera may also have landslides due to the expected rainfall.
Provincial disaster management councils have also been alerted by the weather agency in order to prepare for any storm-related calamities. Travel along the seaboards of Luzon are also limited due to very strong waves.