Philippines: Adverse weather forecast across central regions through at least Oct. 5

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across the central Philippines through at least Oct. 5 due to Tropical Depression Lannie. The affected areas include southern Bicol, northern Caraga, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, northern Mimaropa, and Western Visayas regions. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued the following warnings:

• Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1: Southern Masbate, southern Occidental Mindoro, southern Oriental Mindoro, northern Palawan including the Calamian and Cuyo islands, and southern Romblon provinces in Luzon; Aklan, Antique, Biliran, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, northern and central Negros Oriental, Samar, Southern Leyte provinces in Visayas; northwestern Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands in Mindanao

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast over Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, and Mimaropa regions as well as Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate provinces in the Bicol Region including the Ticao and Burias Islands, and Dinagat Islands in the Caraga Region.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)