Tropical Storm “Enteng” Accelerates Over Northern Luzon, Now Over West Philippine Sea

As of the latest advisory, Tropical Storm “Enteng” has rapidly moved over Northern Luzon and is now positioned over the West Philippine Sea. This development brings with it several hazards, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal inundation, and rough seas. Residents in affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions as the storm continues its path.

Track and Intensity Outlook: Tropical Storm “Enteng” is forecasted to continue its west-northwestward trajectory over the next 24 hours. By tomorrow, September 4, the storm is expected to turn westward, continuing across the West Philippine Sea and potentially reaching Hainan, China, by Saturday, September 7. On its current path, “Enteng” is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow morning.

The storm is expected to intensify, reaching severe tropical storm status by this afternoon or evening and possibly becoming a typhoon by Thursday, September 6. The current location of the storm’s center is over the coastal waters of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, with a northwestward movement at 25 km/h. The storm’s maximum sustained winds are 75 km/h near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 125 km/h.

Forecast Positions:

• September 3, 2024, 02:00 PM – 110 km West Northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• September 4, 2024, 02:00 AM – 315 km West of Calayan, Cagayan
• September 4, 2024, 02:00 PM – 415 km West of Calayan, Cagayan (Outside PAR)
• September 5, 2024, 02:00 AM – 525 km West of Calayan, Cagayan (Outside PAR)
• September 5, 2024, 02:00 PM – 670 km West of Calayan, Cagayan (Outside PAR)
• September 6, 2024, 02:00 AM – 815 km West of Calayan, Cagayan (Outside PAR)
• September 7, 2024, 02:00 AM – 1,190 km West of Extreme Northern Luzon or in the vicinity of Hainan, China (Outside PAR)
• September 8, 2024, 02:00 AM – 1,510 km West of Extreme Northern Luzon or in the vicinity of Quảng Ninh, Vietnam (Outside PAR)

Hazards Affecting Land Areas:

• Heavy Rainfall Outlook:
  • Today (September 3): Forecasted rainfall accumulation is 100-200 mm in the Ilocos Region, with 50-100 mm expected in Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
  • Tomorrow (September 4): Forecasted rainfall is 50-100 mm in Ilocos Norte. Rainfall amounts are expected to be higher in elevated or mountainous areas. Flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely in areas highly susceptible to these hazards, particularly those that have already received significant rainfall in recent days. The enhanced Southwest Monsoon will also bring moderate to intense rainfall to other areas of Luzon, especially along the western portions, over the next three days.
• Severe Winds:
  • Wind Signal No. 2 indicates minor to moderate impacts from strong winds in areas under this warning. Winds may be slightly stronger in coastal and upland areas exposed to the storm, while areas under Wind Signal No. 1 can expect minimal to minor wind impacts.
  • The enhanced Southwest Monsoon will also produce strong to gale-force gusts in various regions, including the Ilocos Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Bulacan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Island, and Northern Samar today, and over Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Northern Samar tomorrow.

Coastal Inundation:

• A minimal to moderate risk of storm surge is expected in the low-lying coastal areas of Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur within the next 48 hours. Residents in these areas should refer to the latest Storm Surge Warning No. 4 and official hazard maps for specific areas at risk.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters: In the next 24 hours, Tropical Storm “Enteng” and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon will bring rough sea conditions across various regions:

• Gale Warning: Currently in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon. Sea travel is risky, especially for small seacrafts and motorbancas.
• Rough Seas: Expected over the western seaboard of Northern Luzon (2.5 to 4.0 m), the western seaboard of Central Luzon (1.5 to 3.0 m), the seaboards of Southern Luzon (2.0 to 3.5 m), and the western seaboard of Visayas (1.5 to 2.5 m). Mariners of small seacrafts should avoid venturing out under these conditions.
• Slight to Moderate Seas: Anticipated over the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao (1.0 to 2.0 m). Mariners should take precautionary measures while at sea.

Wind Signal Updates:

• Wind Signal No. 2:
  • Affected Areas:
    • Ilocos Norte
    • Northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, San Ildefonso, San Vicente, City of Vigan, Bantay, Santa, Caoayan)
    • Apayao
    • Abra
    • Kalinga
    • Western portion of Mainland Cagayan (Piat, Santo Niño, Camalaniugan, Tuao, Pamplona, Alcala, Amulung, Buguey, Solana, Rizal, Claveria, Iguig, Lasam, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Allacapan, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes)
    • Babuyan Islands (Calayan Island, Dalupiri Island, Fuga Island)
• Wind Signal No. 1:
  • Affected Areas:
    • Rest of Ilocos Sur
    • Northern portion of La Union (Luna, Santol, San Juan, Bagulin, Bangar, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, Sudipen, Balaoan)
    • Mountain Province
    • Ifugao
    • Northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Kapangan, Atok, Kabayan, Kibungan, Bakun, Buguias, Tublay)
    • Batanes
    • Rest of Mainland Cagayan
    • Rest of Babuyan Islands
    • Isabela
    • Northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Bayombong, Ambaguio, Bagabag, Villaverde, Diadi, Quezon, Solano)
    • Northern portion of Quirino (Aglipay, Saguday, Diffun, Cabarroguis)

Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor updates and advisories from PAGASA and local authorities as “Enteng” continues its course.