Philippines: Severe Tropical Storm Eiwiniar tracking northeastward over Lamon Bay May 26 /update 3

Severe Tropical Storm Ewiniar (known locally in the Philippines as Aghon) is tracking northeastward over Lamon Bay off the east coast of Quezon Province, Calabarzon Region, May 26, having made eight landfalls as it passed over the central Philippines since late May 24. Landfalls have been recorded over Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar Province late May 24; near Giporlos Municipality in Eastern Samar Province early May 25; Basiao Island and Cagduyong Island in Samar Province early May 25; two areas of Masbate Island in Bicol Region May 25; Marinduque Province in Mimaropa Region late May 25; and Quezon Province in Calabarzon Region early May 26. As of 14:00 PHST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 187 km (54 miles) east-southeast of Manila.

Forecast models indicate that the system will pass over Polilo Island and surrounding smaller islands in the coming hours, before moving out into the Philippine Sea late May 26. Once over open water, the system is expected to strengthen into a typhoon as it continues to track northeastward off the east coast of Luzon through May 27. The storm will strengthen further through May 28 before weakening back to a severe tropical storm as it continues to track northeastward over the northwestern Philippine Sea south of Japan's Ryukyu Islands and southern mainland Japan May 29-31. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming hours and days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of continued heavy rainfall across parts of the central and northern Philippines; rainfall accumulations of more than 20 cm (8 inches) are forecast over Quezon Province in the Calabarzon Region and rainfall accumulations of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are likely over Aurora, eastern Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Metro Manila, and Camarines Norte provinces through the late May 27. Lesser rainfall is forecast over the rest of the northern and central Philippines through May 28. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 is in place over eastern Quezon Province, including the Polilo Islands, and Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 is in place over Aurora, central Quezon, Laguna, eastern Batangas, and central and eastern Rizal provinces. Severe and moderate general flood advisories (the middle and second lowest levels on a five-tier scale) are in place across much of the central and northern Philippines.

Several domestic flights connecting Manila with Calbayog, Naga, Romblon, Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, and Virac have been canceled May 25 and San Jose, Naga, and Virac May 26 due to the adverse weather; further flight disruptions are possible over the coming hours. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has advised against non-essential maritime travel during the storm. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travel for all Quezon, Marinduque, and Romblon provinces vessels. Several ferry services have been suspended, including those connecting Masbate City with Albay, Cebu, and Samar provinces. As of early May 26, nearly 6,000 passengers were stranded at ports across Bicol, Calabrzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa regions. Authorities have reported four storm-related injuries and more than 2,600 people have been displaced due to the storm. Power outages have affected dozens of municipalities and at least 21 homes have been damaged. Damage assessments are ongoing in affected areas and it may take some time until the full extent of the storm's impact is confirmed.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering 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 increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.