Philippines: Typhoon Yutu forecast to hit Luzon region October 30 /update 1

Event

Typhoon Yutu (locally known as Rosita), a category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, is expected to make landfall in the south of Isabela province (Luzon region) on Tuesday, October 30, between 05:00 and 07:00 (local time).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued tropical cyclone warning signal 3 (the third-highest level on a five-tier scale) on October 29. This warning is in effect for the Luzon provinces of Isabela, Quirina, Northern Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya, and Ifugao, where authorities have begun evacuating low-lying coastal areas.

Heavy rain, flooding, high winds, transportation disruptions (including flight delays and cancelations), and power outages are to be expected in the abovementioned provinces October 30-31.

Context

Typhoon Yutu already caused damage in Guam and the Mariana Islands, including airport closures. Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the Western Pacific from May through November.

Advice

Individuals present in Cagayán and Isabela provinces are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, reconfirm flights, obey instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.