Tropical Depression Mirasol Moves Closer to Isabela and Northern Aurora

Tropical Depression Mirasol has maintained its strength while moving closer toward Isabela and the northern portion of Aurora, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Current Status

As of 7:00 PM, the center of Mirasol was estimated at 170 km northeast of Infanta, Quezon or 90 km southeast of Casiguran, Aurora (15.8°N, 122.8°E). The system is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, gusts of up to 70 km/h, and a central pressure of 1006 hPa. It is moving northwestward at 25 km/h. Strong winds extend outward up to 180 km from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

Signal No. 1 – Strong Winds (39–61 km/h, minimal to minor impacts)

• Batanes
• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Ilocos Norte
• Polillo Islands
• Catanduanes
• Northeastern Nueva Vizcaya: Diadi, Quezon, Kasibu, Dupax del Norte, Bambang, Ambaguio, Bayombong, Solano, Villaverde, Bagabag
• Northern and Central Aurora: Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler
• Northern Ilocos Sur: Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Vicente, San Ildefonso, Santa Catalina, City of Vigan, Caoayan, Santa
• Northern Camarines Norte: Vinzons, Capalonga, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, Talisay, Daet, Mercedes
• Northeastern Camarines Sur: Caramoan, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Lagonoy, Siruma, Tinambac, Goa, San Jose

Residents in these areas may experience minimal to minor threats to life and property.

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

PAGASA reminds the public to refer to Weather Advisory No. 2 (5:00 PM) for rainfall details associated with Mirasol. Localized heavy rains may cause flooding and landslides in susceptible areas.

Severe Winds

Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience minimal to minor wind impacts. Winds may be stronger in coastal and upland areas exposed to prevailing directions. Mirasol is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm once it re-emerges over the Luzon Strait, which could prompt higher wind signals in parts of Northern Luzon.

The Southwest Monsoon is also expected to bring gusty conditions:

• Tomorrow, Sept. 17: Southern Quezon, rest of Camarines Norte, Marinduque, Romblon, southern Mindoro, Panay Island
• Thursday, Sept. 18: Panay Island, Palawan, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, southern Quezon, Camarines Norte, Isabela, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan

Coastal Waters

Moderate seas up to 2.5 meters may prevail over the seaboards of Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Batanes, Isabela, Aurora, and the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte. Small vessels and motorbancas are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid sailing in risky areas.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Mirasol will continue to move northwestward and may slightly decelerate as it nears Isabela–Aurora. A landfall is possible by tomorrow morning over Isabela or northern Aurora. However, if it shifts further north, it may remain offshore.
• By Thursday morning (September 18), Mirasol is expected to re-emerge over the Luzon Strait and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between afternoon and evening.
• The tropical depression is forecast to maintain or slightly weaken as it crosses Northern Luzon, but will likely intensify into a tropical storm once over the West Philippine Sea.

Advisory

The public and disaster risk reduction offices are advised to take all necessary precautions. Residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas should heed local evacuation orders and continue monitoring official advisories from PAGASA and their Regional Services Divisions.

The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 11:00 PM today.