Philippine Sea: Typhoon Saola is tracking northwestward across the Philippine Sea, northeast of Luzon, Philippines, as of early Aug. 29 /update 5

Event

Typhoon Saola (known in the Philippines as Goring) is tracking northwestward across the Philippine Sea, northeast of Luzon, Philippines, early Aug. 29. As of 11:00 PHT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 519 km (322 miles) north-northeast of Manila, Philippines.

Forecast models indicate the system will strengthen slightly and make a close approach to Batanes Province, Philippines, early Aug. 30, passing between the Babuyan and Batanes islands before weakening slightly and entering the South China Sea. The storm is likely to weaken into a tropical storm over the South China Sea as it gradually turns to track westwards and make landfall over southern Guangdong Province, China, early Sept. 3. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and the system may change accordingly over the coming days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geographical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued the following Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS):

• TCWS 3: southern Batanes Province and northeastern Babuyan Islands

• TCWS 2: the rest of Batanes and far northeastern mainland Cagayan provinces, as well as the rest of Babuyan Islands

• TCWS 1: northern and eastern mainland Cagayan, eastern Isabela, northern Apayao, and northern Ilocos Norte provinces

PAGASA has also warned of rainfall of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) across northeastern Babuyan Islands and 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, northern Abra, northern Apayao, and northern and eastern mainland Cagayan through early Aug. 30. Heavy rain is forecast to persist through at least Aug. 31.

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau has issued a strong wind advisory across the southern regions.

The China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue (lowest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning. Authorities may 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.

Authorities in the Philippines evacuated thousand of people across Luzon, with the worst affected Bacolod City in Negros Occidental Province. Heavy rainfall resulted in landslides that have blocked roads in Adams, Pagudpud, and Pinili municipalities in Ilocos Norte Province.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the 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 and necessary medications 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.

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
China Meteorological Administration
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
Taiwan Central Weather Bureau