MANILA, Philippines – The low-pressure area west of Babuyan Islands has developed into Tropical Depression Emong, the state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 11 am bulletin on Wednesday, July 23.
As of 10 am, the center of Emong was located 115 kilometers west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gusts of up to 55 km/h, moving west southwest at 35 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over the following areas:
Ilocos Norte
Western Ilocos Sur (including Sinait, Vigan, Candon, Narvacan, Tagudin)
Northwestern La Union (San Fernando City, Bacnotan, Luna, Bauang)
Western Pangasinan (Alaminos City, Bolinao, Bani, Anda, and nearby towns)
PAGASA said these areas may experience strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h, posing minimal to minor threats to life and property. Winds may be slightly stronger in coastal or elevated areas.
The tropical depression is also enhancing the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), bringing strong winds and occasional heavy rains across Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, including Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol, MIMAROPA, and the Visayas.
The enhanced monsoon may also cause rough to moderate seas, with wave heights reaching up to 3.5 meters along the western seaboards of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Zambales, Bataan, and Lubang Island. Small vessels and motorbancas are advised not to venture out to sea.
Track and Outlook
Emong is forecast to move southwestward throughout Wednesday before looping northeast over the West Philippine Sea by Thursday, July 24, due to its interaction with Tropical Storm Dante.
A landfall scenario over Ilocos Region, Babuyan Islands, or Batanes remains possible, especially if the system shifts eastward.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Dante is also expected to intensify further and may reach severe tropical storm category before its close approach to northern Luzon.
PAGASA urged the public and disaster response agencies to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, especially in areas prone to floods, landslides, and storm surges.
The next bulletin for Emong will be issued at 5:00 pm.