Tropical Storm Emong, previously a typhoon, has weakened while passing close to the Babuyan Islands, with sustained winds of 85 km/h and gusts reaching up to 115 km/h, according to PAGASA’s 2:00 PM bulletin.
Emong’s center was located over the coastal waters of Calayan, Cagayan, moving north-northeastward at a rapid 40 km/h. Gale-force winds extend outward up to 300 km from the center.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is hoisted over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, parts of Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and northwestern Cagayan, indicating 24 hours of gale-force winds and moderate threats to life and property.
Signal No. 1 is in effect for other portions of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, mainland Cagayan, and northern Isabela, with winds ranging from 39–61 km/h.
Aside from storm winds, the enhanced southwest monsoon is producing strong to gale-force gusts across the Ilocos Region, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Dinagat Islands today.
A storm surge warning remains in effect for low-lying coastal areas in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte and Sur, and mainland Cagayan, with expected wave heights up to 2.0 meters.
Gale warnings are issued for Northern Luzon and the western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, with sea conditions reaching up to 5.5 meters in parts of Cagayan and Isabela. Sea travel is hazardous for all vessel types.
Forecasts show Emong likely exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by the morning of July 26 and possibly degenerating into a remnant low by evening as it enters the East China Sea.
Residents in hazard-prone areas are advised to heed evacuation orders and monitor updates from regional weather bureaus.