Manila: The low pressure area east of Eastern Visayas has developed into a tropical depression named Wilma, prompting authorities to issue Signal No. 1 in areas across Visayas and Mindanao. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the weather disturbance was last located 625 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, moving west southwestward at 20 kilometers per hour.
According to Philippines News Agency, Wilma carries maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near its center, with gustiness reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour. Areas under Signal No. 1 include Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, and Dinagat Islands. These regions can expect strong winds as a result of the depression.
PAGASA also noted that the northeast monsoon will bring strong to gale-force gusts across several regions including Ilocos, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Bataan, Calabarzon, Mindoro Provinces, Romblon, Marinduque, Bicol Region, and the Visayas. A gale warning is currently in effect over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas.
The agency forecasts that Wilma will slightly intensify before making landfall over Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands either on Friday night or Saturday. PAGASA Assistant Weather Services Chief Chris Perez assured that updates will be provided should there be any changes in the cyclone's track and intensity.
Roy Badilla, the bureau's assistant administrator, mentioned that while the cyclone is relatively weak, the anticipated winds are not excessively strong. Nevertheless, Badilla warned that Wilma could bring heavy rains, potentially leading to flooding and landslides. He advised the public to stay informed with updates from PAGASA as Wilma's track remains subject to change.
