Manila: More regions have been placed under tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 1 as Tropical Depression Ada is on the verge of escalating to a tropical storm, the weather bureau announced on Thursday. Ada has slightly intensified, now carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness reaching up to 70 kph, as per the 5 a.m. advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). According to Philippines News Agency, Ada was last located 385 kilometers east-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, or 465 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, and is moving northwest at 20 kph. Areas currently experiencing strong winds where TCWS no. 1 is in effect include Sorsogon and the southeastern portion of Albay in Luzon, and several regions in the Visayas such as Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, and parts of Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte. In Mindanao, the Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surig ao del Sur are also under alert. PAGASA indicated that both the northeast monsoon, known locally as "amihan," and the periphery of Ada will continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts across various regions including Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and multiple areas across Luzon, the Bicol Region, and Central Visayas. In addition, PAGASA has warned of rough seas across multiple coastal waters, particularly the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, Northern Samar, and Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands, among others. Mariners, especially those operating small seacraft and motorized bancas, are advised against venturing out to sea under these hazardous conditions. Ada is anticipated to pass close to Eastern Samar and Northern Samar by Friday or Saturday and is likely to make a close approach to Catanduanes by Sunday, as projected by the weather bureau.
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