WEATHER UPDATE: Tropical Storm 'Amang' Maintained its Strength Moving Closer to Eastern Samar (January 17, 2015)

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Storm Amang, International name “ Mekkhala” has maintained its strength as it moves closer to Eastern Samar, according to PAGASA’s weather bulletin update issued at 11:00 AM today, January 17, 2015.

The center of Bagyong Amang is located at 120 km East Northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar as of 10:00 AM, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 130 kph, Amang is forecasted to move Northwest at 17 kph and expected to hit the following locations:

• In the vicinity of Legaspi City by Sunday morning

• 50 km Northeast of Baler, Aurora by Monday morning

• 235 km Northeast of Aparri, Cagayan by Tuesday morning

Public storm signal #2 is raised at the following provinces:

LUZON VISAYAS

Catanduanes Northern Samar

Albay Eastern Samar

Camarines Sur Samar

Sorsogon Leyte

Masbate Biliran

Burias Island

Ticao Island

These areas will have stormy weather with heavy to intense rains. Residents along coastal areas are alerted against possibleStorm surges of less than 2 meters.

Public storm signal #1 is raised at the following provinces:

LUZON VISAYAS

Camarines Norte Southern Leyte

Quezon Northern Cebu

Polillo Island Cebu City

Laguna Bantayan Island

Rizal Camotes Island

Batangas Northern Iloilo

Marinduque Northern Part of Negros Occidental

Oriental Mindoro Capiz

Romblon Aklan

These areas will have occasional rains with occasional gusty winds.

Tropical Storm "AMANG" may hit Borongan City, Eastern Samar this afternoon or early evening.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 7.5 – 20 mm per hour (heavy - intense) within the 400 km diameter of the Tropical Storm.

Residents in low lying and mountainous areas of the provinces with PSWS#2 and #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Ocean waves may reach up to 9 meters within the diameter of the storm.

Fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the seaboards of Luzon, Visayas and the eastern seaboard of Mindanao.

In the next 6 hours, there is a possibility of raising Public Storm Signal # 1 over Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Aurora.

The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions.