‘Crising’ to affect Cebu until weekend

Local

EVEN without making landfall in the Visayas, Tropical Storm Crising continues to bring gloomy skies and rains over Cebu, with weather authorities advising residents to brace for more showers until Saturday, July 19.

According to Engineer Alfredo Quiblat Jr., chief of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) –Mactan, Cebu remains under the influence of Crising through the southwest monsoon, or habagat, which the storm is enhancing as it moves northwestward over Luzon.

“Indirect effect gihapon sa Cebu. Cloudy skies with katag light to moderate at times heavy nga mga pag-ulan. Winds moderate to strong, kadagatan moderate to rough,” Quiblat said.

But relief may soon be in sight, he added, as weather conditions are expected to improve during the weekend.

“Ugma and Sunday, we expect improving weather and generally fair conditions,” Quiblat said.

In anticipation of adverse weather, the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division called off in-person classes in all public schools on Friday. This came after forecasts showed moderate to heavy rains that could trigger flash floods or landslides in vulnerable communities.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak confirmed the suspension late Thursday, noting that students would continue learning through Modular Distance Learning (MDL) for the day.

Meanwhile, retired Pagasa Visayas Director Engineer Oscar Tabada warned Cebuanos to expect even heavier rainfall on Friday compared to the torrential downpour that flooded parts of Metro Cebu on Wednesday, July 16.

“What we experienced yesterday, we might experience again tomorrow—or even more—because of Crising’s position,” Tabada said in a Thursday interview.

He explained that the storm’s proximity to northern Luzon tends to strengthen the southwest monsoon, increasing the likelihood of widespread rain in the Visayas.

Tabada attributed Wednesday’s intense downpour to two successive supercell thunderstorms, a rare occurrence, that hovered over Cebu City for more than two hours.

These storms, he said, unleashed between 150,000 to 300,000 barrels of rain in a short span.

With the possibility of more heavy rains, Tabada urged the public to limit outdoor activities and unnecessary travel.

“If you don’t have important plans, ayaw lang sa lakaw. Stay at home to stay protected,” he advised, also warning about the risk of falling trees and wind-blown debris amid strong winds.

Tropical Storm Crising (international name: Wipha) was located 325 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City as of Pagasa’s 5 a.m. Friday bulletin. The storm is moving northwest at 20 kilometers per hour, packing sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts reaching 80 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals No. 1 and 2 were raised in several parts of northern Luzon, but no wind signals were issued for the Visayas. Still, Cebu and neighboring provinces remain at risk of continued rainfall brought by the enhanced monsoon.

“Until Saturday, we’re still expected to experience moderate to heavy rains,” Pagasa-Mactan weather specialist Jhomer Eclarino said.

“We advise the public, especially those in disaster-prone areas, to monitor weather updates continuously,” he added.

Tumulak said the city remains on high alert, with constant monitoring of critical areas for flooding and landslides. He acknowledged that class suspensions are not taken lightly and are based on thorough coordination with barangay officials and the DepEd.

“Daghan man gyud ta’g i-consider. Dili sayon ang pag-declare ug suspension. We only recommend, and they make the final decision,” Tumulak said.(TGP)