More areas under storm signal no. 2

'Helen' to hit Isabela, Cagayan by midnight

MANILA, Philippines – More areas in the Philippines have been placed under storm signal no. 2 as “Helen” moved closer to hitting land between the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan by 12 midnight Wednesday, the state weather bureau said.

In its 9 p.m. press briefing on Tuesday, PAGASA said signal no. 2 is up over the following areas:

Northern Aurora
Quirino
Nueva Vizcaya

Ifugao
Isabela
Mt. Province

Benguet
Ilocos Sur
Ilocos Norte

Abra
Kalinga
Apayao
Cagayan, including Calayan and Babuyan group of islands
Batanes

Areas under Signal No. 1 are:

Rest of Aurora
Nueva Ecija
Tarlac
Pangasinan
La Union

PAGASA said stormy weather is expected over northern Luzon Wednesday night as "Helen" hits northern Isabela and southern Cagayan.

Rains and gusty winds are expected over Central Luzon.

In southern Luzon, Metro Manila, and Western Visayas, occasional to frequent rains and moderate to strong winds are expected Tuesday night until Wednesday due to the storm’s effect on the southwest monsoon.

The storm is expected to dump intense to torrential rains or 20 to 35 millimeters per hour within its 500 kilometer-diameter.

PAGASA also warned of storm surges and big waves caused by the weather disturbance.

Helen’s track

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos warned local officials of cities, towns and provinces that are on the storm’s track.

Ramos said the following areas may be hit by the storm:

Palanan
Maconacon
Divilacan

Tumauini
Ilagan
Cabagan

San Pablo
Enrile
Tuguegarao City

Tabuk
Balbalan
Malibcong

Abra
Vigan
Pinili
Ilocos Norte

The storm was last spotted 140 kilometers east southeast of Tuguegarao and was moving west northwest at a speed of 17 kilometers per hour (kph).

It was still packing winds of 85 kph with gustiness of 100 kph.

The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility Thursday morning.

Dams

PAGASA’s hydro-meteorological division, meanwhile, said it is monitoring water levels at the dams, particularly those located in northern Luzon.

PAGASA said they are closely monitoring Magat Dam in Isabela as it has already surpassed its normal level. The storm is expected to pass through Isabela.

The weather bureau also said it is monitoring the Ipo and San Roque dams.

Angat Dam in Bulacan is not on Helen’s track, but PAGASA said rains from the southwest monsoon may also increase its water level.