Typhoon GORING Strengthens Further And Moves Southward Towards Cagayan Region
Photo credit: Dost_pagasa
As Typhoon GORING continues its path over the sea east of Cagayan, its intensity and movement are causing growing concern for the region. According to the latest data available at 4:00 PM, August 26, 2023, the center of Typhoon GORING's eye was positioned approximately 145 km East Northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, with coordinates 17.9°N, 123.1°E. The typhoon boasts maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h near its center, accompanied by gusts of up to 190 km/h and a central pressure of 955 hPa.
The storm is currently moving southward at a speed of 10 km/h. The reach of its tropical cyclone winds extends up to 280 km from its center, creating a significant threat to areas within its vicinity.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) have been issued to provide advanced warnings to residents and authorities. TCWS No.3, which indicates a storm-force wind threat, is in effect for the northeastern part of Cagayan (Santa Ana) and the extreme eastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan). This level of warning signifies wind speeds ranging from 89 to 117 km/h, posing a moderate to significant threat to life and property.
TCWS No.2, indicating a gale-force wind threat, is effective for areas such as the eastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, Ilagan City, Maconacon, Cabagan, Tumauini, San Pablo), eastern portion of Cagayan (Peñablanca, Baggao, Gattaran, Lal-Lo, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey), and the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran). Gale-force winds within the range of 62 to 88 km/h pose a minor to moderate threat to life and property.
TCWS No.1, indicating strong winds, is in effect for a wider range of areas including Batanes, the rest of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, parts of Aurora, Quirino, Isabela, Apayao, Nueva Vizcaya, and more. Wind speeds in this range, from 39 to 61 km/h, present a minimal to minor threat to life and property.
Accumulated rainfall forecasts show expected precipitation over the next few days. Mainland Cagayan and Isabela are predicted to receive 100-200 mm of rain today to tomorrow afternoon, with areas like Babuyan Islands, Aurora, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, and northern Quezon, including Polilio Islands, expecting 50-100 mm. Similarly, the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan and Isabela might receive 100-200 mm of rainfall from tomorrow afternoon to Monday afternoon, with the aforementioned areas receiving 50-100 mm.
The impact of Typhoon GORING is not limited to direct winds and rain. The Southwest Monsoon, augmented by the typhoon, will induce occasional or monsoon rains over western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas in the next three days. Gusty conditions are expected in various areas, especially coastal and upland/mountainous regions exposed to winds.
The forecast suggests that due to favorable environmental conditions, Typhoon GORING will likely continue to intensify, possibly reaching super typhoon category on Monday. However, the process might be curbed by the upwelling of cooler waters due to the typhoon's slow movement, possibly limiting further intensification by late Monday (August 28,2023) or early Tuesday (August 29,2023). Residents and authorities are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this critical weather event.