Tropical Depression “Gener” Slightly Intensifies While Moving Slowly

Tropical Depression “Gener” has slightly intensified as it continues to move slowly north-northwestward. The tropical cyclone is forecast to make landfall in the vicinity of Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours, bringing significant weather impacts to various parts of Luzon. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions as the storm approaches.

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

Heavy Rainfall Outlook:
The enhanced Southwest Monsoon, along with the effects of Tropical Depression “Gener” and Tropical Storm “Pulasan,” will bring heavy rainfall across various parts of Luzon. For more detailed information on rainfall amounts and affected areas, please refer to Weather Advisory No. 20 issued at 2:00 PM today.

Severe Winds:
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised over several provinces, signaling the potential for minimal to minor impacts from strong winds. Local winds may be stronger in coastal and upland regions exposed to the tropical cyclone. The Southwest Monsoon enhanced by “Gener” and Tropical Storm “Pulasan” will also cause strong to gale-force gusts, particularly in:

• Today (16 September): Batanes, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, 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 the western and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon, the seaboards of Visayas, and the western, northern, and eastern seaboards of Mindanao. Sea travel is risky for small vessels and motorbancas in these areas. Mariners should be cautious and avoid venturing out to sea, particularly if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels.

• Moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 m): Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern seaboards of Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley.
• Moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.0 m): Eastern seaboard of the Bicol Region, the seaboard of Visayas (outside Gale Warning areas), and the eastern seaboards of Caraga and Davao Region.
• Up to moderate seas (up to 2.5 m): The remaining seaboards of the country outside Gale Warning areas.

Mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when navigating under these conditions.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Tropical Depression “Gener” is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours. By tomorrow morning, “Gener” may emerge over the coastal waters of La Union or Pangasinan and continue to move west-southwestward over the West Philippine Sea before turning northwestward by Wednesday (18 September). The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between tomorrow evening and Wednesday morning.

Although “Gener” is expected to remain a tropical depression as it crosses mainland Luzon, there is a possibility it could intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall. It is likely to reach tropical storm status once it moves over the West Philippine Sea by tomorrow evening or Wednesday.

Location of the Center (as of 2:00 PM today):
The center of Tropical Depression “Gener” was estimated to be 305 km East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, or 325 km East of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (17.2°N, 124.8°E), moving North Northwestward at 10 km/h.

• Maximum sustained winds: 55 km/h near the center
• Gustiness: Up to 70 km/h

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1:

Affected Areas:

• 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

Minimal to minor wind impacts can be expected in these areas. Residents are advised to stay alert for further updates and to take precautionary measures.

Forecast Positions:

• September 16, 2024, 11:00 PM: 95 km North Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora
• September 17, 2024, 11:00 AM: 150 km West of Baguio City
• September 17, 2024, 11:00 PM: 390 km West of Dagupan City, Pangasinan
• September 18, 2024, 11:00 AM: 575 km West of Dagupan City, Pangasinan (Outside PAR)
• September 18, 2024, 11:00 PM: 710 km West of Dagupan City, Pangasinan (Outside PAR)
• September 19, 2024, 11:00 AM: 800 km West of Sinait, Ilocos Sur (Outside PAR)
• September 20, 2024, 11:00 AM: 945 km West of Northern Luzon (Outside PAR)
• September 21, 2024, 11:00 AM: 1,415 km West of Extreme Northern Luzon (Outside PAR)

Residents in affected areas should stay tuned for the next advisory at 5:00 PM and follow the advice of local authorities for any potential evacuation or precautionary actions.