‘Usman’ keeps strength as it closes in on Eastern Samar
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical depression “Usman” maintained its course early Friday morning as it moved closer to Eastern Visayas, while Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 1 remained hoisted over 27 areas.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the center of Usman was at 250 km East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 7 a.m.
It was still packing winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph as it moved west-northwest at 10 kph, Pagasa said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.
The following areas remained under TCWS No. 1:
Luzon
- Northern Palawan, including the Calamian Group of Islands
- Camarines Norte
- Southern Quezon
- Marinduque
- Romblon
- Catanduanes
- Camarines Sur
- Albay
- Sorsogon
- Masbate, including Ticao and Burias Islands
- Southern Occidental Mindoro
- Southern Oriental Mindoro
- Cuyo Island
Visayas
Article continues after this advertisement- Northern Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Samar
- Biliran
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Northern Cebu, including Camotes Islands
- Aklan
- Capiz
- Iloilo
- Guimaras
- Antique
- Northern Negros Occidental
Mindanao
Article continues after this advertisement- Dinagat Island
These areas may experience winds of 30-60 kph and/or intermittent rain within the next 36 hours.
Pagasa meanwhile said Usman could intensify into a tropical storm prior to landfall over Eastern Samar tonight
It is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility between Sunday evening (Dec. 30) and Monday morning (Dec. 31). /cbb
