Northern Palawan may be affected by Tropical Storm Basyang this weekend as the system moves westward after making landfall in Mindanao, the state weather bureau said Friday morning.
In its 5 a.m. weather briefing, the agency said the storm could track toward Northern Palawan by Saturday, February 7, bringing possible heavy rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions, depending on its final path.
“Posible nga po habang tinatahak nga po yung areas na ito, ay posible po mag-west-northwestward patungo po dito sa may Central and Western Visayas area maging dito sa may Northern Palawan,” weather Leanne Loreto.
As of the latest advisory, Basyang, internationally named Penha, had intensified into a tropical storm while over the Philippine Sea.
Its center was last located about 440 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The system has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour. It is moving west-southwest at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour.
The weather bureau said the storm may make landfall in Surigao del Sur late Friday, Ferbruar 6, night or early Saturday morning. After landfall, it is expected to cross parts of Mindanao before affecting areas in Central and Western Visayas.
Forecast models show the storm may continue moving westward and reach Northern Palawan by Saturday, although forecasters said its track may still shift northward or southward.
“Inaasahan nga po natin, by Saturday, nandito na po sa may Palawan area yung sentro ng bagyo,” Loreto said.
While Palawan is not currently under any wind signal, the weather bureau warned that wide cloud bands associated with the storm may still bring rain and gusty winds to the province as the system approaches.
Several areas in Mindanao and the Visayas remain under wind signal numbers 1 and 2, with stronger winds expected within the next 24 to 36 hours in those areas.
The bureau also warned of possible flooding and rain-induced landslides, especially in parts of Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and sections of the Visayas due to heavy rainfall.
Aside from Basyang, other weather systems such as the northeast monsoon and the shear line may also bring cloudy skies and scattered rains to other parts of the country, including Mimaropa.
PAGASA said residents in coastal areas should also be alert for rough seas and possible storm surges, particularly in areas closer to the storm’s track. Fisherfolk and small sea craft were advised against sailing in areas with gale warnings.
The weather bureau urged local government units and the public, including those in Palawan, to prepare for possible impacts and to continue monitoring official advisories as the situation develops.
