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A new cyclone has formed east of the Philippines today. Tropical Storm Kajiki (Bagyong Basyang) is the second named cyclone of 2014. This system was last located approximately 420km east of Surigao City. Maximum sustained winds are at 65kph with gusts of up to 85kph. TS Kajiki is moving westward at 30kph.
As of 11am this morning, PAGASA has raised Public Storm Warning Signal #2 for Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, Samar, Camotes Island, Camiguin, Dinagat Province, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Is., Northern Part of Surigao del Sur, and Northern Part of Agusan del Norte.
Signal #1 has been issued for Masbate, Cuyo Island, Northern Samar, Biliran Is., Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, rest of Agusan del Norte, rest of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Northern part of Bukidnon, and Zamboanga del Norte.
IR Image from NRLMRY
Latest satellite image shows strong convective clouds expanding and moving closer to the Philippine Islands. The low-level center is still partially exposed due to moderate to strong wind shear. However, the expanding cloud cover will still bring widespread rains across much of Visayas and Mindanao in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Forecast Track (NOT OFFICIAL!)
Tropical Storm Kajiki (Basyang) will continue moving quickly to the west. It is forecast to make landfall near Surigao in Northern Mindanao later tonight. Heavy rains and strong winds are possible, especially along the path of this system. Unfortunately, areas that were hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) last year will be hit once more by this system. BUT, since this is a Tropical Storm that is moving quickly to the west, we are not expecting very high storm surges along the coast. Nevertheless, the threat of heavy rains, flooding, and landslides still exist in many areas.
Tropical Storm Kajiki is forecast to pass near Bohol, Cebu, Negros, Panay and nearby islands. It will then cross the northern half of Palawan by Sunday and will weaken to a Tropical Depression as it moves into the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Please heed the warnings of your local officials, especially if you are under Signal Warnings issued by PAGASA!
We'll have another update later today. Stay safe!
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