Tropical Storm Saola (Gener) Update #3

Tropical Storm Saola (Bagyong Gener) continues to slowly intensify as it moves across the Philippine Sea. The storm was last located approximately 340km east of Casiguran, Aurora. Maximum sustained winds are now at 75kph with gusts of up to 110kph. TS Saola/Gener is moving northward at 15kph.

As of 5am today, PAGASA has now raised Public Storm Warning Signal #2 for Cagayan, Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands. Signal #1 remains in effect for Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, and Batanes Group of Islands. Areas mentioned should expect deteriorating conditions today especially along the coast. There could be some heavy rains with amounts of up to 100mm together with strong winds and rough waves. Consult with the local officials for the latest warnings and forecasts for your area.

IR Image from NRLMRY

A Central Dense Overcast (CDO) has begun to form late last night characterized by very cold cirrus clouds ( up to -90C). However, Saola/Gener barely strengthened and the latest microwave images reveal average banding near the center. The low-level circulation center seems to remain being elongated. The storm's size continues to enhance rain showers across many parts of Luzon and even into Visayas. Reports of flooding and evacuations abound in some provinces so please keep watching the news for the latest!

Tropical Storm Saola or Bagyong Gener should continue moving to the north eventually bringing stormy conditions in Eastern Luzon particularly in Isabela Cagayan and the islands to the north. Current forecasts continue to take Saola towards Taiwan and computer models are starting to have better agreement. Due to the favorable conditions in the region, the Saola is forecast to become a Typhoon as early as tomorrow night (Monday) and could make landfall in Taiwan by Wednesday as a Category 2 Typhoon.

We'll have another update later this afternoon.
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Issued (2230 UTC) 630am PhT 072912