Only Palawan remains under storm signal 1—Pagasa

MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image as of 5:32 p.m., 03 January 2013

MANILA, Philippines—The state weather bureau lowered all storm signals except for Palawan where tropical depression “Auring” was headed and could make a landfall if it doesn’t change direction.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the first weather disturbance of the year was spotted at 190 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City as of 4 p.m. and packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center.

It was moving west at 28 kph.

“Auring” may gain more strength in the ocean as it traverses Sulu Sea, but will exit the Philippine territory in 24 hours, Manny Mendoza of Pagasa told INQUIRER.net.

Pagasa warned residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal No.1 against possible flash floods and landslides. It will bring moderate to heavy rains within its 250 km.

Fishing boats and other small sea craft were still advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboards of the country and over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon due to the northeast monsoon and over the western seaboard of Visayas and Mindanao due “Auring.”

Meanwhile, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Benito Ramos said parts of southern Palawan, including the municipalities of Bataraza, Paborlan, Rizal, Quezon, Narra and Brook’s Point, could get affected by the tropical depression.

He said “Auring” could make landfall in Palawan if it will not change direction.