TROPICAL Cyclone Warning Signal Number 1 has been lifted over Babuyan Group of Islands and northern portion of Ilocos Norte as "Henry," which intensified into a tropical storm Tuesday morning, is now outside the Philippine area of responsibility.
But the state weather bureau warned the public against another weather disturbance, which may develop into a tropical depression in the next 36 hours.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, the low pressure area was located at 915 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.
Tropical Storm Henry, on the other hand, was located at 415 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan, packing maximum winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is moving west at 45 kph, said Pagasa.
It also said that the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) will continue to bring monsoon rains over Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro Provinces, Palawan and Western Visayas, as well as scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over the rest of the country.
"Residents of these areas, especially those living in low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to continue monitoring for updates, coordinate with their local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides," said Pagasa.
It added that sea travel remains risky over the western seaboard of Southern Luzon.
Due to the effects of the tropical storm and Southwest Monsoon, MalacaƱang suspended work in the executive branch and classes at all levels in public schools in Metro Manila beginning 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 17.
READ: Palace suspends classes, work in Metro Manila due to rains
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Memorandum Circular 47, declaring the suspension. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)