Storm signal in Metro Manila lifted as 'Dodong' moves away

The public storm signal in Metro Manila was lifted Thursday afternoon but five areas remained under Storm Signal No. 1 as tropical depression "Dodong" accelerated and continued to move north-northwest towards China Thursday afternoon. But the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Dodong" will still enhance the southwest monsoon. "Patungo siya sa China, north-northwest ang direction. By tomorrow mararanasan na natin ang pagbuti ng panahon (It is heading for China as it moves north-northwest. By Friday we can expect the weather to improve)," PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz said in an interview on dzRH radio. As of 4 p.m., PAGASA estimated "Dodong" at 150 km west of Dagupan City, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. It was moving north-northwest at 19 kph and is expected to be 460 km west of Basco, Batanes Friday afternoon. Under Storm Signal No. 1 are Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, and Pangasinan. PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal No. 1 to be on alert against possible flash floods and landslides. It added "Dodong" is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rain over the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon. "Western section of Central Luzon and Pangasinan will experience rains and gusty winds while the western section of Southern Luzon and Western Visayas will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be mostly cloudy with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms," PAGASA added in its 5 p.m. bulletin. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Southwest will prevail over the western section of Southern Luzon and Western Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the Southwest and Southeast with slight to moderate seas. — KBK, GMA News