Storm signals up in several areas across PH

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine

Photo from DOST-PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Kristine has slightly accelerated while maintaining its strength over the sea east of Aurora, prompting the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals No. 2 and No. 1 over several areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the state weather bureau said Wednesday.

As of 11 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) placed 34 areas under Wind Signal No. 2.

• Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and the northeastern portion of Sorsogon.
• Visayas: Northern portion of Cebu, Bohol, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte.
• Mindanao: Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande.

Winds of 62 to 88 kilometers per hour are expected in these areas within the next 24 hours, with the potential to cause light to moderate damage to structures, especially those made of light materials, as well as some uprooting of trees and damage to crops.

Meanwhile, 52 areas are under Wind Signal No. 1, where strong winds may bring minimal to minor impacts:

• Luzon: Batanes, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Calamian Islands, the rest of Sorsogon, and Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands.
• Visayas: Aklan, Capiz, Antique including Caluya Islands, Iloilo, Guimaras, the northern portion of Negros Occidental, and the northern and central portions of Cebu.

Graphic: Ed Lustan