Tropical storm “Igme” (Tembin) is forecast to interact with typhoon “Julian” (Bolaven) within the next two days as both weather systems are expected to continue enhancing southwest monsoon that may bring moderate to heavy rains in some parts of the country, particularly in Northern Luzon areas.
In its 11 a.m. update on tropical stormIgme, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported the possibility of the two weather disturbances “interaction” despite Igme’s landfall in southern Taiwan yesterday.
“Typhoon Igme is forecast to make a counter-clockwise looping motion within 24-48 hours due to its interaction with typhoon Julian,” the NDRRMC said.
The NDRRMC said both typhoons are expected to enhance the prevailing southwest monsoon that may bring 10 to 20-millimeter per hour of rain fall, classified as moderate to heavy, within a 500-kilometer diameter.
Tropical storm Igme was monitored at 220 kilometers north northwest of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 140 kms. per hour (kph) near the center with gustiness of up to 170 kph and it is moving at 15 kph west southwest direction.
“Typhoon Igme is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon that will bring rains over southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” the NDRRMC said.
Public storm warning signal number 2 is still hoisted at the Batanes group of islands while the Calayan and Babuyan group of islands are placed under  PSWS number 2.
“Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon due to big waves caused by typhoon Igme,” said NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Benito Ramos.
“The NDRRMC-Operation Center is still on red alert,” added Ramos.
The NDRRMC has already reported at least one casualty brought about by Igme in the person of Michael estacio, 15, who was swept away by strong current in Barangay Balaoc, Sto. Tomas, La Union.
A total of 353 families composed of 1,476 persons have also been affected by flashfloods in five municipalities of La Union.
On the other hand, typhoon Julian was monitored at 1,050 kilometer east of Basco, Batanes.