Philippines: Adverse weather forecast across central regions through at least Nov. 22

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the central Philippines through at least Nov. 22. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather advisory warning that due to the shear line, where cold air from the northeast monsoon or amihan converges with warm air from the Pacific Ocean, heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of the affected region over the coming days. Rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are forecast in Masbate, Northern Samar, and Sorsogon provinces Nov. 20 and 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) across the rest of Bicol and Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas regions, as well as Dinagat Islands, Palawan, and Romblon provinces Nov. 20. Further totals of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) are forecast in Bicol and Zamboanga Peninsula regions and Aklan, Capiz, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Palawan districts Nov. 21 and Albay, Cataduanes, Masbate, Northern Samar, Palawan, and Sorsogon provinces Nov. 22.

As of Nov. 20, PAGASA has also issued the following flood advisories across the Philippines:

• Extreme general flood advisories (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Bohol, Cebu, and Negros Oriental provinces in Central Visayas Region and Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte provinces in Eastern Visayas Region.

• Severe general flood advisories: Dinagat Islands, Surigao Del Norte, and Surigao Del Sur provinces in Caraga Region.

• Moderate general flood advisories: Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao Del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental provinces in Northern Mindanao Region.

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

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 stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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 airports in the region. 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, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.