Mario exits but rains are still expected

MANILA - Tropical storm Mario (international nameand Fung-wong ) has weakened and is leaving the country's area of responsibility,the state bureau said Saturday. In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, PAG-ASA said rains are expected to ease Saturday.PAG-ASAweather forecasterAldczar Aurelio said weather in Northern and Central Luzon will gradually improve by Sunday as Mario exits the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).Moving west northwest at 19 kph, Mario is expected to be at 216 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes by tomorrow, and 499 kilometers north northeast of Itbayat, Batanes or outside the PAR by Sunday afternoon.Aurelio said the tropical storm may again gain strength once it is outside the PAR and over sea.PAGASA said Mario is bringing an estimated rainfall amount from 7 to 20 millimeters per hour (moderate to intense) within its 350-kilometer diameter.Residents in low lying and mountainous areas are still alerted against possible flash floods and landslides.Fisher folks and those with small sea crafts are also advised not to venture out over the western seaboard of Northern Luzon, and seaboards of Southern and Central Luzon and Visayas.Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest with slight to moderate seas.