Manila: Tropical Depression Jacinto has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 5 p.m. Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the weather bureau reported that the center of Jacinto was located 505 km west of Cubi Point, Subic Bay, carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 km per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph. The system is currently moving north-northwestward at 10 kph.
According to Philippines News Agency, no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) is currently in place, but Jacinto continues to enhance the southwest monsoon (Habagat). This phenomenon is bringing strong to gale-force gusts over several regions including Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Zambales, Bataan, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Camiguin until Friday.
Forecasts indicate that by Saturday, gusty winds will be present in Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Pangasinan, Zambales, Lubang Island, Romblon, and Palawan. Meanwhile, sea conditions remain hazardous for small vessels, with rough to moderate seas expected over various coastal waters, notably along the northern and western seaboards of Palawan and the Calamian Islands, where waves may reach up to 3.5 meters. Mariners, particularly those operating small boats like motorbancas, are strongly advised against setting sail in these conditions.
PAGASA also noted that Jacinto is projected to move northwestward over the next 12 hours before turning west-northwestward towards northern or central Vietnam, where it could potentially make landfall on Saturday. The system is anticipated to gradually strengthen and may escalate to a tropical storm category by Friday evening.
Residents and local disaster risk reduction and management offices in areas affected by monsoon rains are advised to stay vigilant, especially those in communities prone to landslides and flooding.
