Tropical Storm Wukong (Quinta) Update #6

Tropical Storm Wukong (Bagyong Quinta) is weakening significantly as it moves north of Palawan. In fact, it has weakened so much that the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has given its final warning on this storm. On the other hand, both the PAGASA and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) continue to provide regular updates. The system was last located approximately 80km west southwest of Coron. Maximum sustained winds are at 65kph with gusts of up to 85kph. TS Wukong is moving westward at 20kph.

As of 5am this morning, PAGASA has issued Public Storm Warning Signal #1 for Occidental Mindoro, Northern Palawan, Calamian Islands, and Cuyo Island.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows very little convection associated with Wukong. Increasing vertical wind shear is what seems to be causing this abrupt weakening. Therefore, much of the heavy rains from last night have dissipated; strong winds are also beginning to die down.

Meanwhile, moderate rains continue to impact the Bicol Region this morning with some areas already receiving up to 80mm last night. Camarines Provinces along with Catanduanes, continue to see these bands of precipitation. They may see another 50 to even 100mm of rain as we head into the afternoon. Rest of the country will have cloudy skies with increased chance of precipitation especially in Eastern Luzon and Visayas.

TS Wukong (Quinta) will continue to weaken this afternoon and may even dissipate completely as it heads into the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). We'll have another update later this afternoon.
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Issued (22 UTC) 6am PhT 122712