24 Dec 2019 | 06:50 AM UTC
Philippines: Transportation disruptions due to Typhoon Ursula December 24-25 /update 2
Typhoon Ursula causes transportation disruptions across central regions between December 24-25; heavy rain, destructive winds, rough seas, and associated disruptions expected in the coming hours
Event
Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone), which is expected to make landfall over Borongan and Guiuan areas (Eastern Visayas region) between 16:00 and 18:00 (local time) on Tuesday, December 24, has prompted ferry and flight disruptions nationwide on Tuesday, through Wednesday, December 25. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air canceled approximately 20 domestic flights in airports nationwide on Tuesday, and Cebu Pacific Air further canceled a dozen domestic flights scheduled on Wednesday. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a level 3 Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal for parts of Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas. It also issued a level 1 Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal in the Metro Manila area leading the Pasig River Ferry Service to suspend its operations on Tuesday, through Wednesday. The national coast guard announced at 08:00 on Tuesday, that a total of 21,000 people were stranded at ports in the Bicol, Visayas, Southern Tagalaog, Northern Mindanao, regions due to Ursula. The meteorology agency advises against sea travel due to rough seas and storm surge of up to 2 m (6.6 ft). PAGASA issued a statement at 14:00 on Tuesday, warning of heavy rain and damaging winds through to Wednesday in the aforementioned areas, as well as in Caraga, Mimaropa, and Calabarzon regions.
As of 13:00 on Tuesday, Ursula was located at approximately 11.0°N 126.6°E (map here) and is moving west at 20 kph (12.4 mph), with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and gusts of up to 150 kph (93 mph). Associated flooding, landslides, and further transportation disruptions are anticipated, as well as disruptions to power and communication services.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, to confirm flight reservations and to contact their airline for additional information, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
