Tropical Depression “Gener” Continues to Approach Northern Luzon

As of 5:00 PM today, PAGASA has issued an advisory indicating that Tropical Depression “Gener” continues its slow approach towards Northern Luzon. The tropical depression is being enhanced by the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Storm Pulasan, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to affected regions. This advisory provides critical updates on the current position and expected track of the tropical depression.

Track and Intensity Outlook:

Tropical Depression Gener is forecast to make landfall over Isabela or Aurora either tonight or by early morning tomorrow (17 September). It may emerge over the coastal waters of La Union or Pangasinan by late morning or noon tomorrow. The tropical depression will continue moving generally westward across the West Philippine Sea until Wednesday (18 September), before turning northwestward on Thursday (19 September) towards southern mainland China.

GENER is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by late tomorrow evening or early Wednesday. Although it is likely to cross mainland Luzon as a tropical depression, intensification to a tropical storm is possible before or after landfall. Over the West Philippine Sea, GENER may reach tropical storm category by tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning.

• Location of Center: 290 km East of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (17.4°N, 124.5°E).
• Movement: Northwestward at 10 km/h.
• Strength: Maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness up to 70 km/h.
• Forecast Positions:
  • Sep 17, 2024, 02:00 AM – 130 km East Southeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
  • Sep 17, 2024, 02:00 PM – 175 km Northwest of Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
  • Sep 18, 2024, 02:00 AM – 405 km West Northwest of Iba, Zambales.
  • Sep 18, 2024, 02:00 PM – 575 km North of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR).
  • Sep 19, 2024, 02:00 AM – 610 km North Northwest of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR).
  • Sep 19, 2024, 02:00 PM – 725 km North Northwest of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR).
  • Sep 20, 2024, 02:00 PM – 925 km North Northwest of Southwestern Luzon (OUTSIDE PAR).

Hazards Affecting Land Areas:

Severe Winds:

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is raised over the following areas, with minimal to minor impacts from strong winds expected. Local winds may be stronger in coastal and upland areas exposed to the winds, while sheltered areas may experience less impact.

• Luzon:
  • Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
  • Isabela
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Apayao
  • Kalinga
  • Abra
  • Ifugao
  • Mountain Province
  • Benguet
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Pangasinan
  • Zambales
  • Tarlac
  • Nueva Ecija
  • Aurora
  • Northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real) including Polillo Islands

Enhanced Winds from the Southwest Monsoon:

The Southwest Monsoon, enhanced by Gener and Pulasan, will bring strong to gale-force gusts to the following areas:

• Today (16 September): Batanes, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga Region, and Davao Region.
• Tomorrow (17 September): Batanes, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao.
• Wednesday (18 September): Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters:

24-Hour Sea Condition Outlook:

A Gale Warning is in effect over several coastal waters, including the western and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon, the seaboards of Visayas, and the western, northern, and eastern seaboards of Mindanao. For more details, refer to Gale Warning No. 5 issued at 5:00 PM today.

• Up to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 m): Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern seaboards of Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley.
• Up to rough seas (1.5 to 3.0 m): Eastern seaboard of Bicol Region, the seaboard of Visayas outside Gale Warning areas, and the eastern seaboards of Caraga Region and Davao Region.

Small seacrafts and motorbancas are advised not to venture out under these conditions, especially for inexperienced mariners or those operating ill-equipped vessels.

• Up to moderate seas (up to 2.5 m): The remaining seaboards of the country outside Gale Warning areas.

Mariners of small seacrafts should take precautionary measures and avoid navigation where necessary.

Stay updated on further advisories and take necessary precautions if you are in the affected areas.