Weather: ‘Mina’ may exit PHL Monday afternoon

Tropical storm “Mina" (international name: Nanmadol) weakened further and is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday afternoon, the state weather bureau said. In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Mina slightly weakened, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 130 kph. “Kung magpapatuloy po ang ganitong pagkilos, maaaring nakalabas na si Mina sa Philippine area of responsibility mamayang hapon o gabi," PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said in an interview on GMA News’ TV’s “Balitanghali" on Monday afternoon. The weather disturbance is moving northwest at 9 kph, and is expected to be at 520 kilometers (km) north northwest of Basco, Batanes by Tuesday morning. Better weather in Luzon Aurelio said the weather in Luzon will start to improve by Wednesday or Thursday. Storm Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over the Batanes Group of Islands but storm signals elsewhere in the country were lowered. PAGASA warned residents in low-lying and mountainous areas, particularly over the western section of Northern and Central Luzon, to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides. Those living in coastal areas should be on alert against big waves generated by the monsoon surge, it added. 8 more cyclones Meanwhile, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr. said the country can expect eight more cyclones until November. The weather disturbances are expected to enhance the northeast monsoon (Amihan) when enter the Philippine area of responsibility in the coming months. He likewise said he has already instructed PAGASA to prepare for the coming cyclones. The eight cyclones will be locally codenamed Nonoy, Onyok, Pedring, Quiel, Ramon, Sendong, Tisoy, and Ursula, according to the state weather bureau. - VVP, GMA News