By Arabella Balderama

Tropical storm Dodong, the fourth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2023, strengthened in the morning of Saturday, July 15, bringing rain to different parts of Luzon and enhancing the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat”.

Dodong’s center was located at 305 kilometers West of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, with winds gusting up to 80 kilometers per hour (kph) and a maximum sustained wind speed of 65 kph, as per the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of July 14, 12 areas in Luzon were under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1; namely, Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the northern portion of Pangasinan.

These localities may have experienced winds 39 to 61 kph for at least 36 hours, with minimal or minor impacts such as damaged crops and public transportation disruption.

However, as Dodong intensified into a tropical storm, all wind signals were lifted by PAGASA. Even so, the aforementioned locations were still susceptible to flooding and rain-induced landslides.

PAGASA said that Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and the rest of Central Luzon should also anticipate rain showers due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Dodong.

Furthermore, the state weather bureau added Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Cordillera Administrative Region to localities that are expected to experience rains brought about by the monsoon.

Due to the unfavorable weather, many flights were canceled and classes were suspended for both public and private schools in some municipalities.

According to PAGASA’s meteorological report, Dodong is forecast to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility over the weekend as it moves west northwestward of Luzon, and crosses the waters west of Ilocos Region.

Thumbnail from The Philippine Star