Philippine Sea: Typhoon Yinxing tracking northwestward east of the Phillippines as of early Nov. 5

Typhoon Yinxing (known in the Philippines as Marce) is tracking northwestward across the Philippine Sea east of the Philippines early Nov. 5. As of 11:00 PHT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 719 km (447 miles) east-northeast of Manila, Philippines.

Forecast models indicate that the weather system will strengthen further as it slowly turns to track westward and makes a close approach to far northern Philippines early Nov. 7, before weakening slightly as it continues westward across the South China Sea away from the Philippines through early Nov. 10. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Nov. 5, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather bulletin advising that the system will bring strong winds to northern and central regions and rough seas to coastal waters. A Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) 1 (the lowest level on a five-tier scale) is in place for Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, northern Nueva Vizcaya, northern Quirino, and northern Aurora provinces.

A separate weather advisory warning for heavy rainfall and landslides due to the storm is also in place. Rainfall of more than 20 cm (8 inches) is forecast over Cagayan Nov. 7 and 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) over Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and Batanes Nov. 7. Lesser rainfall of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) is likely over most of the rest of Luzon Nov. 5-7.

Much of northern and central Philippines is still recovering from the passage of Tropical Storm Trami (named Kristine in the Philippines), which made landfall in Divilacan Town, Isabela Province, at around 00:30 Oct. 24, and Typhoon Kong-rey (named Leon in the Philippines), which made a close approach to northeastern Luzon Oct. 30-31. Further rainfall is likely to lead to further disruptions and hamper recovery efforts. Authorities have suspended classes in parts of Cagayan Province Nov. 5.

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.

Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase 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.