Philippines: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 10

Event

A combination of weather systems, including an area of low pressure east of Mindanao with the potential for cyclonic development, are forecast to bring showers and thunderstorms across much of the Philippines through at least Dec. 10. As of Dec. 8, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) have issued a weather advisory warning of light-to-moderate with at times heavy rainfall over Caraga, Davao, and Eastern Visayas regions, as well as Apayao, Cagayan, and Ilocos Norte provinces, Dec. 8-9. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding and landslides in parts of the affected areas. Further isolated showers and storms are forecast across the rest of the country Dec. 8.

As of Dec. 8, PAGASA has issued the following flood advisories across the Philippines:

• Severe general flood advisories (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale): Ilocos Norte Province in Ilocos Region; Apayao Province in Cordillera Administrative Region; Cagayan and Isabela provinces in Cagayan Valley Region; Agusan Del Norte, Agusan Del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao Del Norte, and Surigao Del Sur provinces in Caraga Region; Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, Davao De Oro, and Davao Oriental provinces in Davao Region; Lanao Del Sur and Maguindanao provinces in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces in Soccsksargen Region.

• Moderate general flood advisories: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon provinces in Bicol Region; Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte provinces in Eastern Visayas Region; Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor provinces in Central Visayas Region; Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao Del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental provinces in Northern Mindanao Region, and Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay provinces in Zamboanga Peninsula Region.

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

Hazardous Conditions
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 located 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.

Transport
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.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA)