As 'Juan' leaves, a new potential storm approaches

As Northern Luzon continues to reel from the effects of Typhoon Juan, weather forecasters spotted a new potential cyclone approaching the Philippines. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned the potential cyclone may cause havoc if it interacts with Juan, which forecasters said had remained stationary. "Nasa labas [pa] ang ating nakikitang pwedeng makakaapekto sa atin. Sana nakaalis na si 'Juan' (kasi) pag nag-abot lalo tayo magkakaproblema (The potential cyclone is still outside Philippine territory but if it enters when 'Juan' is still here, it may cause much trouble)," PAGASA forecaster Mario Palafox said in an interview on dzBB radio Wednesday. Citing initial information, Palafox said the incoming weather disturbance is about 1,500 km away from the Philippine area of responsibility. He did not give additional information on the new disturbance, however. "Pag nag-abot lalo tayong magkakaproblema. Nasa labas pa ito ng PAR, mga 1,500 km mahigit (Once it enters Philippine territory while 'Juan' is still here, it will cause problems. For now it is some 1,500 km away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility)," Palafox said.

Juan had remained virtually stationary off Northern Luzon Wednesday morning, after devastating parts of the region when it made landfall on Monday. PAGASA's 11 a.m. advisory said Juan was 350 km west southwest of Laoag City as of 10 a.m., with maximum winds of 175 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph. It forecast Juan to remain almost stationary for the next 12 hours then move north-northeast at 7 kph. By Thursday morning it is expected to be 320 km west of Laoag City. By Friday morning it is expected to be 400 km northwest of Laoag City. Earlier in the day, PAGASA forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that Juan may leave the Philippines by Wednesday noon. Under Storm Signal No. 1 are Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, and Zambales. PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal 1 against possible flash floods and landslides. It also reminded residents along coastal areas of Western Luzon against possible storm surges. — RSJ, GMANews.TV