PAGASA poised to raise storm signals over Bicol on Thursday
By AMANDA FERNANDEZ, GMA News April 1, 2015 2:01pm

State weather agency PAGASA on Wednesday said that it is set to raise storm warning signals over Bicol and other regions of eastern Luzon on Thursday in anticipation of tropical cyclone Maysak's arrival this Easter weekend.

PAGASA weather division chief Dr. Esperanza Cayanan said that Maysak's large diameter will definitely affect Metro Manila, so the agency is also set to raise storm warnings over the capital by Saturday or Sunday.

Bicol, eastern Luzon warnings

Within the next 24 hours, Cayanan said PAGASA will raise storm signals over Bicol and adjacent provinces, and sea travel will may be suspended.

PAGASA weather forecaster Rene Pasyente also warned residents that typhoon Maysak may generate storm surges up to five meters high should its strength persist.

"Ang estimated natin ay four to five meters pero sa ngayon ay wala pa tayong output ng stormsurge natin kasi malayo pa siya pwede pang magbago ito," he explained. "Before landfall ay saka tayo maglalabas ng storm surge." State weather agency PAGASA on Wednesday said Metro Manila may also feel the effects of typhoon Maysak over the weekend.

Calm before the storm

However, since Maysak is still far out at sea—it is set to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) late Wednesday evening or early Thursday—it has no direct effect on the country at this time.

Upon entry into the PAR, Maysak will be locally codenamed "Chedeng."

Because the dry season has officially started, Metro Manila and the country can expect warm weather from now until Friday at the soonest, when Maysak/Chedeng's effects will initially be felt.

Cayanan said Maysak/Chedeng is forecast to make landfall on the eastern coast of Central or Northern Luzon on Sunday. —NB/TJD, GMA News
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