MANILA (Updated 1:25 p.m.) -- Rainfall alert over Metro Manila and some provinces in Luzon have been downgraded to yellow at 12:15 p.m., state weather forecasters announced Monday morning.
The southwest monsoon currently affecting the country is being intensified by Tropical Storm "Maring" (international name: Trami), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
At Yellow Rainfall Advisory level, rainfall amount is within 7.5 to 15 millimeters within one hour, and is expected to continue within the next two hours.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is affecting Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Rizal, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and Quezon and most likely to continue for the next three hours.
Heavy and intense rainfall, meanwhile, is still affecting Cavite Laguna, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro.
The weather bureau said that Maring might stay a little longer within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), hence affect the monsoon.
It is too far, however, to directly affect any part of the country, said weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio.
In its 11 a.m. forecast, Pagasa said Maring has maintained its strength and remained almost stationary for the past six hours.
The center of the tropical storm was last spotted at 575 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes. It is 75 kilometers per hour (kph) strong, with gustiness of 90 kph.
Maring is forecast to move east northeast at 7 kph.
"Tropical Storm Maring is expected to be at 700 km east of Itbayat, Batanes tomorrow morning and at 680 km east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes by Wednesday morning. By Thursday morning, it is expected to be at 530 km Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes or outside PAR," Pagasa said.
Pagasa also warned the public against possible flooding in low-lying areas. Based on Metro Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) flood update as of 11:15 a.m., here are the flooded areas within the National Capital Region:
Recto Morayta - gutter deep
Rizal Recto - 1/2 tire deep
Taft Kalaw Orosa - waist deep
Quezon Blvd Paterno - knee deep
Quezon Blvd Soler - knee deep
UN ave - 1/2 tire
Manila City hall - knee deep
Quirino extn./UN - knee deep
Jose Abad Santos Tayuman lto - waist deep
Jose Abad Santos Batangas - 1/2 tire deep
Jose Abad Santos Tayabas - gutter deep
Recto Avenida WB - tire deep
Recto Avenida EB - gutter deep
Taft Quirino - gutter deep
Multinational - gutter deep
Sucat to Evacom - waist deep
Malugay Mayapis - knee deep
Brgy. Yakal - knee deep
Pasong Tamo - gutterm deep
Zapote/Jollibee/Tramo/Tuazon - chest deep
Sucat SM City - waist deep
Moonwalk Alvarez - waist deep
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued a statement suspending classes and government offices work in some areas early Monday.
"Upon the recommendation of Pagasa, the Executive Secretary has ordered the suspension of classes in ALL levels over Pangasinan, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro and Metro Manila," the statement read as posted in the government website.
"Likewise, the Executive Secretary has also ordered the suspension of work in the Government Offices in Metro Manila except those involved in disaster risk reduction and management," it added.
The embassies of the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) were forced to close their offices amid the torrential rains and severe flooding brought by the southwest monsoon Monday.
In separate advisories, the US and UK embassies said the move is important in ensuring the safety of both their employees as well as the public amid the rains and floods.
"All consular appointments scheduled today are cancelled," said the UK Embassy in its Twitter account.
The British embassy added that those looking for further information regarding their consular appointments may send an email at Cons.Manila@fco.gov.uk or call phone numbers (02) 8582200.
"The US Embassy will be closed Monday, August 19, 2013, due to severe flooding in and around Metro Manila," said the US Embassy in its Facebook account.
The American embassy said individuals with scheduled visa interviews may contact their visa information service at 02-982-5555 to reschedule their appointments.
Nevertheless, the two embassies assured their respective nationals of their readiness to assist them in case they are affected by the flooding and torrential rains.
"Advice for British nationals - If you have been affected by heavy rain or floods and require assistance, please call (02)8582200. Take care!" said the UK Embassy.
"For emergencies involving US citizens, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the US Embassy's Consular Section through the after-hours emergency telephone (632) 301-2000 or (632) 708-9703," said the US Embassy. (SFP/Glaiza Jarloc/HDT/Sunnex)