‘Disorganized’ Amang maintains strength as it drifts slowly over Caramoan

Tropical Depression Amang maintains its strength as it moves slowly in a disorganized fashion over the coastal waters of Caramoan, Camarines Sur, the state weather bureau said Wednesday.

In its 2 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said that Amang was moving north-northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kilometers per hour.

It is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds over several areas in Luzon, where 13 areas have been placed under Signal No. 1.

The heavy rainfall outlook for the next 24 hours includes Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Quezon, with 50-100 millimeters of accumulated rainfall.

Over the next three days, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and the southern portion of Aurora are also expected to experience heavy rainfall.

Pagasa warns that isolated flash floods and landslides are possible in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards, particularly in localities that have already experienced considerable amounts of rainfall over the past several days.

Areas under Wind Signal No. 1 may experience strong winds, which can cause minimal to minor impacts to life and property.

Mariners of small seacrafts are also advised to take necessary precautions when venturing out to sea, as moderate to rough seas may be experienced over the eastern and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon.

While Amang is expected to track generally northwestward in the next 12 hours, its weak and disorganized nature means considerable changes in the track forecast of succeeding bulletins are not ruled out.

The tropical depression is forecast to weaken into a low-pressure area by tomorrow, possibly earlier, due to the combined effects of land interaction, dry air intrusion, and increasing vertical wind shear.

13 areas under Signal No. 1 due to Amang