“Josie” approaching Ilocos Norte; Signal Number 1 hoisted over parts of Luzon

(Eagle News)–Rains are expected in several parts of Luzon as Tropical Depression “Josie” approaches Ilocos Norte, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said on Saturday, July 21.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said as of 4 p.m., the center of “Josie” was 55 kilometers northwest of Laoag City, and is closing in on the Burgos-Pagudpud  area.

“Josie” is packing maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 65 kilometers per hour.

It is moving east northeast at 25 kilometers per hour.

Signal Number 1 has been hoisted over Batanes, northern Cagayan including Babuyan Group of Islands, Ilocos Norte, northern portion of Ilocos Sur, Apayao and the northern portion of Abra.

Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains will prevail over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Batanes, Babuyan Group of Islands, Zambales, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

Scattered light to moderate with occasional heavy rains are expected over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, the rest of Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, and Mindoro.

PAGASA said sea travel remains risky over the seaboards of northern Luzon and the western seaboard of Central Luzon.