Tropical Storm Doksuri (Bagyong Dindo) is now crossing Luzon Strait. The exposed center was last located approximately 20km southeast of Basco, Batanes. Maximum sustained winds remain at 65kph with gusts of up to 85kph. Doksuri is moving westward at 25kph.
As of 5pm today, Signal Warning #2 remains in effect for Cagayan, Calayan Group of Islands, Babuyan Group of Islands, Batanes Group of Islands, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. Signal #1 is up for Abra, Kalinga, Isabela, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Ifugao, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. Areas mentioned will continue having gusty winds and widespread rains.
Latest reports out of Luzon indicate rainfall amounts of 60 to 100mm have fallen in many places, especially along Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Apayao, and Cagayan provinces. Furthermore, winds of 30 to 50kph have been recorded in Laoag, Pagudpud, and Sta. Ana. Batanes, Babuyan, and Calayan Group of Islands could also see winds of up to 65kph as the center of Doksuri crosses there in the next few hours. Thankfully, rains and winds should begin to subside in many areas later tonight.
VIS Image from NRLMRY
Wind shear in the region remains strong making Doksuri struggle in maintaining that core. Nevertheless, strong convective activity continues to form, despite it being sheared away from the center. Forecast tracks barely changed and we are still thinking a landfall near Hong Kong by Saturday morning. Due to the strong shear, we think Doksuri will only be a weak Tropical Storm by the time it makes landfall in China. However, heavy rains could still impact the region as has been the case in Luzon. People living here should listen to HKO for the latest official warnings and forecasts.
Meanwhile, in the Western Pacific, a developing low-pressure area was spotted well southeast of Palau. Invest 96W is currently being rated as MEDIUM by the JTWC and could develop into a cyclone in the next 2 to 3 days. Many computer models are hinting at a possible storm forming here and heading into the Philippines next week. We'll continue to keep an eye on this system as it consolidates.
Next update tomorrow morning.
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Issued (0930 UTC) 530pm PhT 062812
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