Tropical Depression Mirasol Traverses Northern Luzon

Tropical Depression Mirasol continues to traverse Northern Luzon and is now over Ifugao, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Current Status

As of 10:00 AM, the center of Mirasol was estimated in the vicinity of Alfonso Lista, Ifugao (16.9°N, 121.5°E). The system is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, gusts of up to 90 km/h, and a central pressure of 1002 hPa. It is moving northwestward at 15 km/h. Strong winds extend outward up to 200 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
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Northern and Central Aurora: Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora
• Apayao
• Abra
• Kalinga
• Mountain Province
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Northeastern Pangasinan: San Nicolas, Natividad, San Manuel, Sison, San Quintin, Tayug
• Northern Nueva Ecija: Carranglan, Pantabangan

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

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

PAGASA advises the public to refer to Weather Advisory No. 5 (11:00 AM) 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 expected to intensify into a tropical storm when it re-emerges over the Luzon Strait, possibly prompting higher wind signals in some parts of Northern Luzon.

The Southwest Monsoon will also bring gusty conditions:

• Today, Sept. 17: Southern Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and Negros Occidental
• Tomorrow, Sept. 18: Metro Manila, Isabela, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Batanes, Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Quezon, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas
• Friday, Sept. 19: Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan

Coastal Waters

Moderate to rough seas may prevail in the following areas:

• Up to 3.0 m: Eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan; seaboard of Isabela
• Up to 2.5 m: Remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan; seaboards of Babuyan Islands, Batanes, Aurora, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur

Small vessels and motorbancas are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid risky sea travel.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Mirasol is forecast to move north northwestward within the next 12 hours while traversing Northern Luzon. It will re-emerge over the Luzon Strait this afternoon or evening and continue northwestward until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow (Sept. 18) morning or afternoon.
• The tropical depression will likely maintain its strength while crossing Northern Luzon. Once over the Luzon Strait, it is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by tonight or early tomorrow. Further intensification into a severe tropical storm is not ruled out.

Advisory

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

The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 2:00 PM today.