(UPDATE) FLOODING from heavy rains from Tropical Depression Isang and the intensified southwest monsoon stranded commuters and forced the suspension of classes in Metro Manila on Friday.

The downpour spawned floods in several cities in the metropolis.

In Parañaque, tire-deep floodwaters near the Parañaque National High School left the road impassable.

In Pasay, the northbound lane of EDSA Roxas was closed to light vehicles.

Metro Manila floods strand commuters, disrupt classes

In Manila, floods shut down the intersection of Roxas Boulevard and Kalaw Street, and parts of Taft Avenue to light vehicles.

The stretch of road from Manila City Hall to San Marcelino Street was closed to all kinds of vehicles.

Afternoon classes were called off in Manila, Pasay, Marikina, San Juan, Navotas, Malabon, Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pateros, Las Piñas, Valenzuela and Taguig.

Makati suspended afternoon classes in public and private schools from daycare to Grade 12.

Commuters in Metro Manila stranded by the floods were given free rides on the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-1, LRT-2) and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) beginning at 12 noon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Isang slowed down as it crossed Quirino province.

As of 5 p.m., the following areas were under Signal No. 1: Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, and the northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Lupao, Carranglan, Pantabangan, and San Jose City).

Enhanced by the storm, the “habagat” or southwest monsoon, brought strong to gale-force gusts over Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Burias Island, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte and Camiguin.

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It was expected to cut across Northern Luzon, emerge in the West Philippine Sea and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday morning.

The storm also disrupted commercial flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported.

Nine flights were canceled, affecting 1,019 passengers, and three flights were diverted, the CAAP said.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) assured its customers its crews are ready to respond to any electricity service concern that may arise due to Isang.

Meralco advised customers to take extra precautions against flood-induced electrical hazards.

The utility also advised customers to immediately turn off the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker once floodwaters begin to enter their homes and to make sure that they are dry before handling any electrical facility.