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Tropical Depression Igme Forms East Of Batanes – Here's What You Need To Know
Photo credit: Dost_pagasa
As of 5:00 PM today, Tropical Depression Igme has officially formed from a low-pressure area to the east of Northern Luzon. Currently, Igme is packing winds of 55 km/h near its center with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h. The storm is slowly moving northwest at 15 km/h, with its strong winds stretching up to a whopping 720 km from the center.

Where's Igme Now?

As of 4:00 PM, the center of Igme was spotted about 530 km East-Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It's still far, but areas in Northern Luzon, particularly Batanes, are already under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. This means residents have around 36 hours to prepare for potential wind speeds of 39 to 61 km/h, which can bring minimal to minor threats to life and property.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

While Igme may seem relatively weak for now, it's important to stay alert, especially for those in Batanes and coastal areas of Northern and Central Luzon. The enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) will team up with the tropical depression, potentially bringing strong to gale-force gusts and heavy rain to parts of the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, and the Babuyan Islands today through Sunday.

Even if you're not in Igme’s direct path, the winds may feel stronger in coastal and mountainous areas, so be mindful of sudden gusts and shifting weather patterns.

Sea Conditions: Mariners, Stay Alert

For those near the sea, mariners operating small boats or bancas should think twice before heading out. Expect moderate to rough seas with waves as high as 3.5 meters along the seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon, as well as the western seaboard of Southern Luzon. If you're planning any coastal trips or fishing, better stay put and wait for calmer conditions.

What’s Next for Igme?

The forecast shows Igme moving west-northwest until Sunday morning (September 22), after which it might turn north-northeast and eventually exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility. While there’s a chance Igme could brush past Taiwan, it’s expected to stay as a tropical depression and might even weaken into a low-pressure area by early Monday (September 23).

Stay Safe and Stay Updated

With Igme on the radar, make sure to stay updated on the latest weather reports, especially if you're in areas prone to flooding or landslides. Local authorities will be issuing advisories, so it's best to follow their instructions and take necessary precautions.

For now, keep an eye on the sky, and be prepared for what Igme may bring.
Sep 20, 2024
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