Manila: Thirteen areas are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Tropical Depression Ada intensified into a tropical storm on Thursday afternoon. In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Ada was last located 400 km east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, moving northwest at 15 kph and packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
According to Philippines News Agency, the areas under TCWS No. 1 include parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Specifically, in Luzon, the eastern portion of Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, the eastern portion of Albay, and Catanduanes are affected. In the Visayas, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, parts of Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte are under the signal. In Mindanao, the Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur are included.
PAGASA indicated that Ada is expected to bring heavy rainfall across Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Agusan del Norte. Additionally, rough seas may affect various seaboards, including those around Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands, and several others. Mariners of small seacraft, including all types of motorbancas, were advised against venturing to the sea.
The storm is forecast to pass near Eastern and Northern Samar on Saturday and Catanduanes on Sunday. PAGASA noted that a further westward shift could result in landfall over Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region.
