Storm warnings up in Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – More provinces were placed under public storm warning signal number one as tropical depression Ofel changed its course in a west northwest direction heading towards Surigao del Norte, the state weather bureau said Tuesday.

Leyte, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Bohol, Camotes Island, Dinagat, Surigao provinces, Agusan provinces, Camiguin Island and Misamis Oriental were under public storm No. 1 or winds with 30-60 kilometers per hour, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

The cyclone, moving at 15 kph, was last spotted 220 kilometers east of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center.

Ofel will bring moderate to heavy rains within its 400 kilometers.

Fishing boats and other small sea craft were advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao due to Ofel.

Meanwhile, the rest of Visayas and Mindanao will be cloudy with moderate to heavy rainshowers or thunderstorms. Luzon, including Metro Manila, will be partly cloudy with brief rainshowers or thunderstorms, Pagasa said.