Manila: Tropical cyclone Josie (international name Haishen) has weakened into a tropical depression and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Tuesday afternoon or evening before further weakening into a low-pressure area (LPA). In its 11 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that Josie was located 1,070 km. east of Southeastern Luzon as of 10 a.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph, while moving north-northwestward at 25 kph.
According to Philippines News Agency, the weather bureau stated that no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) is in effect anywhere in the country. However, PAGASA warned that while the tropical depression is no longer expected to directly affect the country's weather, the southwest monsoon or 'habagat' will continue to bring strong to gale-force winds, particularly in coastal and upland areas exposed to the prevailing winds. These areas include the Ilocos Region, Cordillera region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.
The weather bureau also alerted the public about rough seas reaching up to 3 meters over the western and northern seaboards of the Babuyan Islands, the northwestern coast of Pangasinan, and the coasts of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. Moderate to rough seas are also expected over the remaining coast of Pangasinan, Zambales, Batanes, Bataan, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, the Calamian Islands, and the Kalayaan Islands, where operators of small vessels were urged to exercise caution.
PAGASA advised mariners of motor bancas and similarly sized vessels to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions. It reminded the public that heavy rainfall and strong winds may still occur in areas outside the forecast track, urging residents in flood- and landslide-prone communities to monitor weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
