Heavy Rains to Batter Eastern Visayas, Bicol Due to Shear Line — PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather advisory, warning of several days of heavy rainfall for the Eastern Visayas and Bicol regions due to an active shear line.

In its 5:00 PM bulletin on Sunday, January 4, PAGASA forecast moderate to heavy rainfall (50-100 mm) from today through Tuesday afternoon. The provinces of Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte are expected to see persistent rains beginning today, January 4, extending through tomorrow afternoon, January 5.

The weather system is then forecast to shift, bringing similar heavy rainfall to the Bicol provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate from tomorrow afternoon through Tuesday afternoon, January 6.

PAGASA specifically warned that forecast rainfall may be significantly higher in mountainous and elevated areas. The potential impacts for areas under the 50-100 mm forecast include localized flooding in low-lying, urban, and riverside communities, as well as possible landslides in areas identified as highly susceptible.

The advisory urged the public and all local disaster risk reduction offices to “take all necessary measures to protect life and property.” The shear line is the boundary where warm and cool air masses converge. It is a common weather trigger for intense and prolonged rainfall in the eastern Philippines during the amihan, or northeast monsoon, season. (The Vanguard)