Typhoon Kabayan, Tropical Depression Lando hover off Luzon

NAGA CITY Philippines  (Aug 1, 2011, 4:00 A.M.) - Luzon is now in between two weather systems - a weakening Super Typhoon Kabayan far in the East and a consolidating weak Tropical Depression (Low Pressure Area or LPA) in the West.

Kabayan (International name: Muifa) has lost its Super Typhoon status but remains a powerful Category 4 Typhoon that is moving slowly North-Northeastward across the North Philippine Sea. Its far distance, however, attenuates its effects in population areas of the country.

At 6:00 P.M. last night, Kabayan was located 1,065 km NE of Virac, Catanduanes at coordinates 17.6º North Latitude 133.2º East Longitude, moving North-Northeasterly at 11 kilometers per hour (kph) towards Okinawa-Ryukyu, Japan. It has sustained winds of 220 kph near the center and gusts up to 270 kph. Southwest of its center, it is expected to produce 400 mm of rainfall in 24 hours.

This howler together with the strong Low Pressure Area, Lando, west of Pangasinan will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), bringing occasional to widespread rains, squalls & thunderstorms across Western Visayas, Western Luzon including Metro Manila, Mindoro and Northern Palawan.

Within the next two days, Kabayan is expected to maintain its strength at near-super typhoon status but is not anymore expected to further intensify, This howler will continue moving North-Northeasterly to Northerly for the next 24 hours, before turning more North-Northwesterly because of the rebuilding of the High Pressure Ridge along the coast of Eastern China.

This morning Kabayan shall be about 1,205 km East of Aparri, Cagayan and 1,225 km East of Calayan Island, Cagayan this afternoon with maintained strength of 230 kph.

Tropical Disturbance (LPA) Lando, on the other hand, was located 6:00 P.M. last night at 90 kilometers West-Northwest of Cape Bolinao, Pangasinan at coordinates 16.5º North Latitude 119.0º East Longitude. It has remained almost stationary.

Lando together with Kabayan will continue to enhance the monsoon rains across the western sections of Luzon and Visayas including Metro Manila, Mindoro, Calamian Group, Boracay and Northern Palawan.

Lando has been classified by PAGASA and JMA-Tokyo Typhoon Center as a weak Tropical Depression and circulation is still consolidating off the West Philippine Sea. But its developing rainbands are spreading and affecting the coastal areas of La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales and Bataan. Light, moderate to strong winds (5-55 kph) will be expected in these areas.