Typhoon Egay continued to weaken on Thursday morning, July 27, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to further lower the tropical cyclone wind signals hoisted over some parts of Luzon. As of 5 a.m., Signal No. 2 remained in effect over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Norte, and the northern and central portions of Ilocos Sur, while Signal No. 1 was maintained over Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and the northern portion of Zambales. PAGASA said Egay has maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph. This is lower than the previous 155 kph maximum sustained winds and up to 190 kph wind gusts. As it weakened, Egay also moved farther away from the country, and was last seen 195 kilometers west of Basco, Batanes. It will be outside the country’s area of responsibility by Thursday morning or afternoon, PAGASA said. **Heavy rains due to ‘Egay’, enhanced ‘habagat’** Although it has weakened and moved away, PAGASA said Egay and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” may continue to bring rains over some parts of Luzon. In the next 24 hours, heavy rains may persist in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and the western portions of Abra and Benguet. The habagat may also continue to bring occasional rains over the western parts of Central and Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, in the next three days. PAGASA warned of possible flooding and landslides due to continuous rains.

Source: Manila Bulletin (https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/26/pagasa-lowers-wind-signals-as-egay-continues-to-weaken)