Betty weakens to a tropical storm as it moves northward

• Location: 505 km Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes
• Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 135 km/h, and central pressure of 975 hPa
• Present Movement: Northward at 15 km/h
• TCWS No. 1:  Batanes
• Forecast Accumulated Rainfall: 50-100 mm in La Union, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and southern Abra

Severe Tropical Storm Betty, also known as Mawar, is gradually weakening as it continues its northward movement. As of 4:00 AM, the storm’s center was located approximately 505 km northeast of Itbayat, Batanes (23.7°N, 125.6°E). It has maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 135 km/h. The central pressure is recorded at 975 hPa.

The storm is currently moving at a speed of 15 km/h towards the north. Strong to storm-force winds extend up to 660 km from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is in effect for Batanes, with a lead time of 36 hours. This means there is a threat of strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h (Beaufort 6 to 7). While these winds pose minimal to minor risks to life and property, caution should still be exercised.

Heavy rainfall is expected in certain areas. From tonight until tomorrow evening, La Union, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and the southern part of Abra may experience rainfall accumulations of 50-100 mm. This could result in possible flooding and rain-induced landslides, particularly in areas highly susceptible to these hazards and regions that have already received significant rainfall in recent days.

As Betty moves away from the country, the Southwest Monsoon will become the main source of rainfall. For more information on areas affected by occasional to frequent rains from the Southwest Monsoon, which is enhanced by Betty, please refer to Weather Advisory #6 for the Southwest Monsoon, issued at 11:00 PM today.

Regarding severe winds, if there are no significant changes in Betty’s track or the extent of tropical cyclone winds, the Wind Signal for Batanes will be lifted by noon or afternoon today. However, there is still a possibility of minimal to minor impacts from strong winds, such as strong breezes to near gale strength, in Batanes. Over the next 24 hours, occasional to frequent wind gusts are expected in northern Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Northern Samar, and the northern part of Samar.

Coastal waters are also affected. Due to Betty and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, a marine gale warning remains in effect over the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Luzon, and the western seaboard of Southern Luzon. Please refer to Gale Warning #10 issued at 5:00 AM today for more information.

Betty is expected to gradually accelerate northward or north-northeastward until this afternoon, then turn northeastward or east-northeastward near the Ryukyu Islands. It is forecasted to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this afternoon or evening. Outside the PAR, the severe tropical storm may make landfall or pass very close to Okinawa Island tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Betty is projected to steadily weaken due to lower sea surface temperatures around the Ryukyu Islands. It may be downgraded to a tropical storm on Saturday, and a faster weakening rate is possible.