Manila: Tropical Depression Verbena has moved from Guimaras and southwestern Panay to its current location over the Sulu Sea, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in their 11 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday. The cyclone was positioned over the coastal waters of Hamtic, Antique as of 10 a.m., advancing west-northwest at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour.

According to Philippines News Agency, Verbena is carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect for several areas including Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, and various parts of Palawan such as Araceli, Taytay, and El Nido. The warning also covers Calamian, Cuyo, and Cagayancillo Islands, as well as mainland Masbate and areas within Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Cebu. These regions are expected to experience strong winds.

PAGASA has indicated that a gale warning is still active across the seaboards of Northern Luzon. Verbena is predicted to pass near or over Cuyo Islands later on Tuesday afternoon and may make landfall in the northern portion of Palawan by Tuesday night. The storm is anticipated to intensify to a tropical storm category as it approaches northern Palawan within the next 12 hours. Verbena is projected to reach its maximum strength and could potentially exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday, according to PAGASA.