Philippines: Typhoon Yutu forecast to hit Cagayán October 30 or 31

Event

As of 23:00 (Philippines time) on Friday, October 26, Super Typhoon Yutu was located near 17.2°N 137.6°E, exhibiting maximum sustained wind speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph), and moving west-northwestward at 24 km/h (15 mph). The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had not issued any associated typhoon watches or warnings for the country as of Friday, October 26. However, PAGASA is expected to issue a Tropical Cyclone Warning System alert for Cagayán and Isabela provinces on Monday, October 29. The storm is forecast to hit the northern Philippines on Tuesday, October 30, and Wednesday, October 31.

Yutu's maximum sustained wind speed is forecast to decrease over the coming days before striking the northern Philippines; nevertheless, heavy rain, high winds, and consequent flooding, transportation disruptions (including flight delays and cancelations), and power outages are to be expected in Cagayán and Isabela provinces as the storm nears on October 30-31.

Context

Typhoon Yutu already caused damage in Guam and the Mariana Islands, including airport closures. Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the west Pacific from May through November.

Advice

Individuals present in Cagayán and Isabela provinces are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, reconfirm flights, obey instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. 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.