Super Typhoon Betty Updates - Super Typhoon Betty Approaches Northern Luzon, Signal No. 1 Raised in Affected Areas

MANILA, Philippines - As Super Typhoon Betty (Mawar) continues to strengthen and approaches the area, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country's weather agency, has raised Signal No. 1 in several areas of Northern Luzon. The impacted areas had 36 hours to get ready for the expected powerful gusts that will accompany the typhoon once the alarm was raised on Saturday morning, May 27.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Betty was traveling at a speed of 30 k.p.h., up from its previous speed of 25 k.p.h., and was about 1,170 kilometers east of Central Luzon. According to PAGASA's news briefing held around 11 a.m. on Saturday, the super typhoon maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h and gustiness of up to 240 km/h.

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The size of Betty suggests that it will still have a substantial impact on Northern Luzon even though there is a minimal possibility of landfall. The eastern section of Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Peablanca, Santa Teresita, Buguey), as well as the Babuyan and Camiguin islands, have all received Signal No. 1 signals. Additionally, Signal Number One also applies to Isabela's eastern region, which includes Maconacon, Divilacan, Dinapigue, Palanan, San Mariano, Ilagan City, Tumauini, San Pablo, and Cabagan.

PAGASA issued a warning that the super typhoon would intensify the southwest monsoon, or habagat, resulting in "strong breeze to near-gale conditions with intermittent gusts" beginning on Sunday evening, May 28, or early Monday, May 29. The effects of the strengthened southwest monsoon are anticipated to be felt across the Visayas, the eastern portions of Central and Southern Luzon, as well as the northern and eastern portions of Mindanao.

Betty's rainfall prediction is still the same; rain from the super typhoon is anticipated to start on Monday. Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, and northern Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao could have 50-100 millimeters (mm) of rain from Monday morning, May 29, to Tuesday morning, May 30. It is anticipated that between Tuesday morning, May 30, and Wednesday morning, May 31, Batanes may receive more than 200 mm of rain, while the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union may only get 100-200 mm. Rainfall of 50 to 100 mm is possible in the northern region of mainland Cagayan and the Cordillera Administrative Region. PAGASA reported that higher rainfall totals are anticipated in mountainous or elevated regions.

The weather bureau warned of the potential for flooding and landslides in the impacted areas. Small boats were urged to take safety precautions or, if at all possible, stay away from the eastern seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas owing to moderate to strong seas with waves that ranged in height from 1.5 to 3.5 meters. Also anticipated for Saturday are moderate to rough seas (waves 1.5 to 3 meters high) from Saturday morning to afternoon, followed by rough seas (waves 2.5 to 4 meters high) starting Saturday evening along the northern seaboard of Luzon.

PAGASA predicts that Betty will continue moving in a west-northwesterly path during the weekend before slowing down and turning northwest while positioned over the waters east of extreme Northern Luzon on Monday. When the typhoon comes closest to Batanes, or within a range of 250 to 300 kilometers, it is projected that it would become nearly stationary between late Tuesday and early Wednesday, May 31.

Although Betty is anticipated to remain a super typhoon throughout the weekend, the weather service has not ruled out the prospect of a brief intensification, particularly during the next 12 to 24 hours. On May 30 though, when it stays over the waters east of Batanes, the typhoon may start to significantly weaken. At that time, a typhoon designation is predicted for it.

Betty is the second tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2023 and the first super typhoon of the year. Betty entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility around 2 a.m. on Saturday.

To lessen the potential effects of the incoming super typhoon, the government, and related authorities are taking precautions. Residents in the impacted areas are asked to be informed of the most recent weather advisories and to take the required safety steps. Local disaster response teams are on call and prepared to help if necessary.

PAGASA and other meteorological organizations will keep a careful eye on the path and strength of Super Typhoon Betty. The general public is urged to pay attention to official statements and heed any instructions issued by local authorities.

To reduce potential hazards and guarantee everyone's safety in the impacted areas as the typhoon moves into Northern Luzon, it is essential for residents and communities to stay alert, organized, and knowledgeable.

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Sources/References: Rappler

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