Manila: Tropical Depression (TD) Wilma, together with two other weather systems, is predicted to cause heavy rains in various regions of the Philippines, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, TD Wilma is expected to impact Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Masbate, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, bringing rainfall and gusty winds. Additionally, scattered thunderstorms are anticipated across Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, the rest of Visayas, and Caraga. A shear line is set to bring rain to the Bicol Region, Quezon, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon is forecasted to bring rain to Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the province of Aurora. PAGASA has issued a warning that heavy rainfall in these regions could lead to flash floods and landslides, while isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in the rest of the country.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau noted that TD Wilma has maintained its strength, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph. The depression was last tracked 180 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
Areas under Signal No. 1, where strong winds are anticipated, include the southern portion of Sorsogon and mainland Masbate, including Ticao Island, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and parts of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, among others.
Additionally, Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, Dinagat Islands, parts of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin are also under Signal No. 1. A gale warning has been issued for the eastern seaboards of Luzon and the Visayas. PAGASA further indicated that TD Wilma could make landfall over Eastern Visayas between late Friday and Saturday, while still forecasted to remain as a tropical depression.
