Tropical Depression Emong threatens northern Philippines with wind signals, storm surges

Tropical Depression Emong is expected to make its second landfall in Ilocos Sur or northern La Union, according to PAGASA.

Emong was last spotted over coastal waters near Bangar, La Union, moving northeastward at 20 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gustiness up to 165 km/h.

Wind Signal No. 4 is hoisted in southwestern Ilocos Sur and northern and central La Union, while Wind Signal No. 3 covers most of the rest of the Ilocos Region and western Cordillera, with signals Nos. 2 and 1 covering multiple provinces.

Very strong winds may cause significant damage, including toppling trees and posts, tearing off roofs, and damaging structures and houses in areas directly hit by Emong.

Up to three-meter storm surges are expected to threaten coastal areas of Zambales, Ilocos Region, Cagayan, and Batanes during the typhoon's passage, with very rough to high seas making travel unsafe for sea vessels along the western seaboard of Luzon.