‘Ester’ maintains strength; Signal No. 1 still up in Batanes

The PAGASA Cyclone Update SCREENGRAB from noah.dost.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression “Ester” maintained its strength as it slightly moved faster northeast away from the country, the state weather bureau said Tuesday afternoon.

Batanes Group of Islands remained under Signal No. 1 as Ester packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

The cyclone was last located 200 kilometers northeast of Basco, Batanes and was moving northeast at 22 kilometers per hour.

By Wednesday morning, it is expected to be outside the Philippine area of responsibility or 700 kilometers northeast of Basco.

Rainfall amount is 5-15 mm/hr within the 250 kilometer diameter of the cyclone. Ester will enhance the southwest monsoon which will bring moderate to heavy rains over Ilocos region, Zambales and Bataan.

The weather bureau declared the onset of rainy season earlier Tuesday.

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