Bebeng' intensifies further; 10 areas under storm signal 2

At least 10 areas were placed under Storm Signal 2 as tropical storm "Bebeng" (international code name Aere) intensified further and was forecast to make landfall over Bicol Sunday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Bebeng was about 40 km southeast of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4 a.m.

"Bicol Region, Quezon Province and Northern Samar will experience stormy weather while the rest of Eastern Luzon and of Samar Provinces will have rains with gusty winds. The rest of Central and Southern Luzon and the Visayas will be cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rains and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," it said in its 5 a.m. bulletin.

It added the rest of the country will be having mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

PAGASA said Bebeng packed maximum winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph, and was moving west-northwest at 13 kph.

By Monday morning it is expected to be 100 km southeast of Baler, Aurora. By Tuesday morning it is expected to be 70 km southeast of Laoag City. By Wednesday morning it is expected to be 250 km north-northwest of Laoag City or 180 km west-northwest of Basco, Batanes.

Areas under Storm Signal No. 2 are:

• Sorsogon
  
• Albay
  
• Camarines Sur
  
• Camarines Norte
  
• Catanduanes
  
• Polilio Island
  
• Quezon
  
• Burias Island
  
• Ticao Island
  
• Northern Samar

Areas under Storm Signal No. 1 are:

• Masbate
  
• Marinduque
  
• Romblon
  
• Laguna
  
• Rizal
  
• Bulacan
  
• Nueva Ecija
  
• Nueva Vizcaya
  
• Quirino
  
• Aurora
  
• Isabela
  
• Eastern Samar
  
• Western Samar

PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals to take precautions against possible flash floods and landslides.

It also reminded residents in coastal areas under Signal 2 to remain alert against possible storm surges. - GMANEWS.TV