Severe Tropical Storm Winpha (formerly Crising) has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), prompting PAGASA to lift all tropical cyclone wind signals across the country as of Saturday afternoon.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Winpha was last spotted 345 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes. The storm continues to move away at 20 kph in a west-northwest direction, packing sustained winds of 100 kph and gusts reaching up to 125 kph.
Forecast models show Winpha shifting westward toward southern China, with continued intensification likely. It may reach typhoon strength before nearing Hong Kong.
Although the storm is no longer directly affecting the country, its presence is still being felt. The southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to dump rains over several parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
Monsoon rains are expected to drench Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Meanwhile, occasional downpours will affect Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, the rest of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, the Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Negros Occidental.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are likely over the rest of Luzon, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Lanao del Sur. The rest of the country can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA also warned of rough to very rough sea conditions over the northern and western parts of Northern Luzon. Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will persist across the rest of the archipelago.
While Winpha may be gone, the monsoon it stirred remains a force to watch—residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for possible localized flooding and severe weather.