Photo credit: DOST-PAGASA

Tropical Storm Emong (international name: Co-May) is now moving away from Batanes, but the effects of the storm — including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough sea conditions — continue to impact large parts of Luzon and nearby regions.

As of 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 25, PAGASA reported that Emong was located approximately 195 kilometers east of Itbayat, Batanes. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 105 kilometers per hour. Emong is moving north-northeast at a steady pace of 40 kilometers per hour.

Though the system is on its way out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, its wide circulation is still bringing strong to gale-force winds, with winds reaching out as far as 400 kilometers from its center. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern tip of mainland Cagayan, particularly in Santa Ana. These areas can expect strong winds within the next 36 hours, though the threat to life and property is considered minimal to minor.

In addition to wind hazards, Emong continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, increasing the risk of heavy rains and gusty conditions over several regions. While the storm is no longer expected to intensify, its presence is significantly influencing weather patterns over Luzon, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. Flooding and landslides remain possible, especially in areas that have already been saturated by earlier rainfall.

Over the next two days, monsoon-enhanced gusts are forecast to affect a wide swath of Luzon, including the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, and parts of Calabarzon and Mimaropa. Strong winds are also expected in Visayas and Dinagat Islands.

At sea, conditions remain dangerous. A gale warning is still in effect for the northern seaboards of Luzon. Waves may reach up to 5.5 meters near Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Even in areas further south, seas remain rough to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 2 to 4.5 meters. PAGASA strongly advises mariners, particularly those operating small vessels and motorbancas, to avoid sea travel at this time.

Looking ahead, Emong is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday morning, July 26. It will likely weaken further due to increasingly unfavorable environmental conditions and could degrade into a remnant low by tomorrow evening as it enters the East China Sea. However, a faster weakening trend is also possible.

Local governments and disaster response offices are urged to remain on alert. Communities in flood- and landslide-prone areas should continue to monitor local weather updates and follow evacuation and safety instructions as needed. While Emong is on its way out, the risks it leaves behind are still very much present.

For region-specific rainfall and thunderstorm advisories, the public is advised to refer to bulletins issued by their respective PAGASA Regional Services Divisions.