Philippine Sea: Tropical Storm Yagi tracking northwestward in Philippine Sea as of early Sept. 2

Tropical Storm Yagi, known in the Philippines as Enteng, is tracking northwestward over the Philippine Sea early Sept. 2. As of 11:00 PHT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 185 km (115 miles) east-northeast of Manila.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will make landfall as a tropical storm over far northern Aurora Province, Central Luzon Region, the afternoon of Sept. 2 before tracking northwestward across the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative, and Ilocos regions and exiting into the South China Sea early Sept. 3. Yagi is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon as it tracks westward across the South China Sea through Sept. 6, before making another landfall over Guangdong Province, China, early Sept. 7. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Sept. 2, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of more than 20 cm (8 inches) of rainfall over Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Quezon provinces, including Polillo Island Sept. 2. Lesser rainfall is likely over the rest of northern and central Phillippines. Forecast rainfall is generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas; flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in highly susceptible areas and in localities that have experienced considerable amounts of rainfall over the past several days. Tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) 2 is in place over northeastern Camarines Norte, northeastern Camarines Sur, Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, eastern Isabela, northern Aurora, eastern Quirino, northern Apayao, and eastern Kalinga provinces, with TCWS 1 over the rest of Luzon. Rough seas are also expected across many coastal waters around the Philippines as a result of the storm.

Red extreme general flood advisories (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) are in place across Bicol and eastern Visayas regions. Orange and yellow general flood advisories are in place across most of the rest of the Philippines. Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the system progresses.

Several domestic flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila have been canceled. Reports indicate that more than 2,4000 people are stranded at various seaports across the Eastern Visayas, Bicol, and Calabarzon regions, with the Eastern Visayas Region the worst affected. Classes are suspended across parts of northern and central Philippines, including Metro Manila.

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. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.