MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm Helen slightly strengthened and picked up speed after it hit Northern Luzon early Wednesday, as the state weather bureau raised storm signal number 2 in 14 provinces.
As Helen pummels Luzon, the Philip
pine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) hoisted storm signal 2 over the following areas:
Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, Isabela, Aurora (north), Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Ilocos Sur, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, Abra, and Batanes group of islands.
These areas may experience winds of 60-100 kph in the next 24 hours. Most tall trees and houses with galvanized iron roofs may be damaged.
Meanwhile, storm signal 1 was raised over Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, La Union, and the rest of Aurora.
These areas will experience 30-60 kph winds in the next 36 hours. Twigs from trees may fall due to the winds, while houses from light materials may experience some damage.
According to the Pagasa, Helen was last spotted 60 km south southeast of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.
It gained strength from 75 kph on Tuesday to 85 kph today, while its gustiness is now up to 100 kph from a previous 90 kph. It sped up to 17 kph as it travels west.
Based on Pagasa's forecast and News 5's Metra Weather System, Helen will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility Thursday morning. c/o tv5
