Philippine Sea: Tropical Depression Choi-Wan makes landfall, tracking northwestward over central Philippines as of June 2 /update 4

Event

Tropical Depression (TD) Choi-Wan (known in the Philippines as Dante) made landfall over Sulat, Eastern Samar, the evening of June 1. As of 11:00 June 2, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 254 km (158 miles) southeast of Manila. Choi-Wan is forecast to continue tracking northwestward over central and parts of northern Philippines through late June 2, strengthening briefly into a tropical storm before weakening again into a tropical depression and entering the South China Sea early June 3. The system is forecast to shift northeastward as a tropical depression over the South China Sea through at least June 5, potentially making a close approach to southern Taiwan. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur over the coming days. Flooding associated with Choi-Wan has killed at least three people in the Philippines.

Government Advisories
As of 11:00 June 2, Philippine authorities have issued the following warnings:

• Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 2: Romblon, Marinduque, the northern and central portion of Oriental Mindoro, the northern and central portion of Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, Cavite, Bataan, the southwestern portion of Bulacan, the western portion of Pampanga, Zambales, the western portion of Tarlac, and the western portion of Pangasinan provinces.

• Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1: The northern portion of Palawan, the rest of Oriental Mindoro, the rest of Occidental Mindoro, the western portion of Quezon, the western and central portion of Laguna, Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, the rest of Pampanga, the rest of Tarlac, the western portion of Nueva Ecija, the rest of Pangasinan, the southern portion of Benguet, La Union, Aklan, Capiz, the northern portion of Antique, and the northwestern portion of Iloilo provinces

• Red Extreme General Flood Advisory: Portions of Surigao del Norte, Agusan Del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte, Lanao Del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon.

• Orange Severe General Flood Advisory: Portions of Negros Oriental, Cebu, Siquijor, Bohol, Northern Samar, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Albay, Sorsogon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, and Marinduque provinces.

• Yellow Moderate General Flood Advisory: Portions of Cavite, Quezon, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, and Aklan provinces.

Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days. Weather warnings could remain active even after the system's immediate threat has diminished, as some areas may still be highly susceptible to rain-induced hazards. The possibility of localized evacuations cannot be discounted if weather conditions prove particularly hazardous.

Hazardous Conditions
TD Choi-Wan is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas to coastal areas of central and northern Philippines over the coming days. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near streams, creeks, rivers, and urban areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs could experience flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Flooding could isolate some communities for several days. Fairly arid areas may also be subject to inundation where hard, dry soil cannot absorb rainfall. Rain-induced landslides are possible in steeply sloped terrains. Prolonged swells and storm surge generated by the system will likely result in coastal flooding as the system tracks close to land. Persistent onshore flow could make it difficult for the surge to recede and for water levels to decrease in coastal river catchments.

In addition to the heavy rain, flooding, and storm surge, damaging wind gusts will persist. Widespread and prolonged power outages due to uprooted trees and toppled utility lines are possible. Electricity supply disruptions have occurred in some areas, including parts of Surigao del Sur Province, due to the flooding. Lingering outages may still occur in the coming days after the storm dissipates.

Transport
In addition to the immediate threat to personal safety, inclement weather associated with the storm could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions through at least June 6. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Areal flooding in urban locations could also result in severe traffic congestion, while strong winds will pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Heavy rain and low visibility may trigger flight disruptions at airports.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions improve. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may exacerbate residual disruptions.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast storm conditions. Heed all evacuation orders. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the high potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks. Keep any necessary medications in a waterproof container.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
Japan Meteorological Agency
Central Weather Bureau, Taiwan