The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warns that Tropical Storm Goring continues to gain strength and is moving in a south-southwest direction, posing risks of heavy rainfall and severe winds in several areas.

Land hazards

Forecast data indicates accumulated rainfall of 50-100 mm in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern region of mainland Cagayan today, August 25, and tomorrow noon.

From tomorrow noon to Sunday, areas such as the eastern parts of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, and the northern portion of Aurora might experience rainfall between 100-200 mm.

Floods and rain-triggered landslides are anticipated, especially in regions highly susceptible to these hazards.

Enhanced by Goring, the Southwest Monsoon is predicted to bring sporadic rains over western Central Luzon and Southern Luzon starting tomorrow and will affect the western Visayas by Sunday.

Wind threats

Strong winds can impact areas under Wind Signal No.1. The wind signals are designed to alert the public to potential wind hazards from the tropical storm. Coastal and mountainous areas may experience even stronger gusts.

The enhanced Southwest Monsoon will also bring gusty conditions to regions like Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila, and the Bicol Region among others.

Affected areas under the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal include Batanes, parts of Babuyan Islands, and eastern portions of Cagayan and Isabela.

Coastal hazards

A Coastal Gale Warning has been issued for the waters surrounding Batanes, Babuyan, and the northern coast of mainland Cagayan.

Sea travel might be risky, leading to potential disruptions in civilian maritime activities.

Track and intensity outlook

Goring’s trajectory is forecasted to shift south-southwest or south near Northern Luzon’s eastern waters until tomorrow evening. It will then generally head south or southeast until Sunday afternoon.

From then, Goring is predicted to loop north before veering northwest towards Luzon Strait by Tuesday.

Pagasa also projects Goring to intensify rapidly, possibly reaching typhoon status by tomorrow. By Sunday evening, it might achieve its peak intensity. The storm could further escalate into a super typhoon.

As of the latest advisory, the storm’s center was estimated at 225 km East Southeast of Basco, Batanes. It carries maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h and gusts of up to 105 km/h.