Manila: Tropical Depression (TD) Kiyapo maintained its strength but has slightly accelerated as it moves northwestward at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, the weather bureau reported on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Kiyapo is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near its center, with gustiness reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour, as per the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The tropical depression was located 830 kilometers east of Northern Luzon as of 10 a.m., prompting the continuation of Signal No. 1 in several areas.
Strong winds are anticipated in regions where Signal No. 1 is hoisted, including Batanes, Cagayan with Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, certain portions of Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, parts of Ilocos Sur, northern Aurora, northern Quirino, and the northernmost part of Nueva Vizcaya.
During a press conference on Thursday noon, PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo stated that Kiyapo is heading towards Babuyan Islands. As it approaches, it is expected to intensify, potentially reaching the tropical storm category, which may result in the hoisting of wind Signal No. 2 in Northern Luzon areas.
Earlier, PAGASA indicated that Kiyapo might intensify into a severe tropical storm while traversing the Batanes-Babuyan Islands area, and the possibility of raising wind Signal No. 3 has not been dismissed. Manalo also mentioned that Kiyapo is influencing the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, leading to rains and strong winds.
Regions such as Siquijor, Bohol, Southern Leyte, and most of Mindanao are expected to experience strong to gale-force gusts due to the influence of habagat and Kiyapo's periphery. The tropical depression is forecast to bring heavy rains across Cagayan, while habagat will affect areas such as Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and various parts of Mindanao.
Manalo indicated that the Visayas would start experiencing rains from habagat today, with the western section of the country likely seeing rainfall starting Friday. Despite the anticipated rainfall, it is not expected to impact or increase the water levels in major reservoirs. However, localized flooding remains a concern.
Additionally, rough seas are predicted along the eastern seaboards of Batanes and Davao Oriental, leading to advisories for mariners of small seacraft and motorbancas to refrain from venturing into the sea. Kiyapo is set to pass very close or make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands on Friday and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday.
