Manila: Tropical Depression (TD) Wilma maintained its strength on Friday, keeping Signal No. 1 raised over several areas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA reported that Wilma continues to pack maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 55 kph. The weather system was last spotted 235 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, moving west-southwest at 15 kph.
According to Philippines News Agency, strong winds will prevail in areas under Signal No. 1, which include the southern portion of Sorsogon, mainland Masbate including Ticao Island, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, Bohol, and various regions within Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Additionally, areas such as Siquijor, the eastern portion of Iloilo, Capiz, and Guimaras are also under the signal.
Signal No. 1 is also hoisted in Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, Dinagat Islands, the northern portion of Surigao del Sur, the northern portion of Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin. The state weather bureau noted that the northeast monsoon would also cause strong to gale-force gusts across most of Luzon and the Visayas.
A gale warning remains in effect over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas. Meanwhile, PAGASA stated that Wilma is forecast to remain as a tropical depression and could possibly make landfall or pass close over Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands between Friday night and Saturday.
