Start preparing for ‘Ambo,’ Pagasa reminds residents in storm’s track

MANILA, Philippines – People in areas which may be affected by Tropical Depression “Ambo,” especially those in Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region and other areas in Luzon should start preparing, the state weather bureau said on Tuesday.

Latest forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Ambo was able to maintain its strength, still packing maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

It was last spotted 410 kilometers east of Surigao City, and is still expected to make a slow northward movement, which means it may eventually be located 305 kilometers east of Borongan, Eastern Samar on Wednesday afternoon.

Ambo is seen to move west by Thursday, 115 kilometers east of Catarman in Northern Samar.  It is expected to make landfall in Bicol, before entering the Luzon landmass and directly hitting Southern Luzon, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon.

It may also be elevated into a Tropical Storm within 24 hours to a Severe Tropical Storm before it makes landfall.

“Ibayong pag-iingat at abiso natin sa ating mga kababayan doon, na as early as now ay umpisahan na pong maghanda para sa pagdating o sa inaasahan nating paglapit nito sa ating kalupaan,” weather specialist Loriedin De La Cruz said.

(We sternly warn people to take necessary precautions, and start their preparations for the storm and its approach to the landmass.)

It is also possible that the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 may be raised over parts of Eastern Visayas on Tuesday night, while maritime activities in the area may also be suspended.  Scattered light to moderate and at times heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms may be felt in Mindanao and Eastern Visayas.

Meanwhile, sea condition in Eastern Visayas, Eastern Mindanao and Southern Luzon may range from moderate to rough due to the winds brought by Ambo.  People in low-lying areas and slopes are also advised to monitor updates as flooding and landslides due to continuous rains are possible.

Still, Pagasa says that factors may change the trajectory of the storm, although state meteorologists say that this current track where Ambo leaves the Luzon landmass by Saturday afternoon is the best prediction they have.