15 Dec 2017 | 03:53 PM UTC
Philippines: Tropical Storm Kai-Tak (Urduja) forecast to strike Dec. 16
Tropical Storm Kai-Tak (Urduja) forecast to strike central Philippines December 16; heavy rainfall and consequent flooding, landslides, and traffic disruptions expected in affected areas
Event
Tropical Storm Kai-Tak (named "Urduja" in the Philippines) is forecast to strike the Philippines on Saturday, December 16. As of 10:00 (local time) on Friday, December 15, the storm was nearly stationary about 240 km (150 mi) east of Borongan City (Eastern Samar province), packing maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h (46 mph), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Kai-Tak is forecast to make landfall in Northern Samar or Eastern Samar province between Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon. Tropical cyclone warning "Signal No. 2" - indicating that winds of 61-120 km/h (38-75 mph) are expected within 24 hours - is currently in effect for the Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran provinces, according to PAGASA. A lesser "Signal No. 1" warning - indicating that 30-60 km/h (18-37 mph) winds are expected in 36 hours - has been issued for several parts of the central Philippines.
The storm is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to areas within its 500 km (311 mi) diameter; consequent flooding, landslides, and traffic disruptions are expected in the affected areas. Among the areas forecast to be most significantly affected by associated rainfall and potential flooding and landslides over the coming days are the Visayas (particularly Eastern Samar, Samar, and Northern Samar provinces), Bicol, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao regions.
Context
Typhoons and tropical storms regularly strike the Philippines during the monsoon season - which spans from November to April in the northeast, and from May to October in the southwest.
Advice
Individuals present in the Philippines are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given.
Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
