‘Urduja’ keeps strength, may become tropical storm in 36 hours

Tropical Depression Urduja has maintained its strength as it moves slowly over the Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its 11:00 p.m. bulletin on Tuesday, Pagasa said that Urduja might intensify into a tropical storm within 36 hours.

So far, no tropical cyclone warning signal has been raised.

Urduja has maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and a gustiness of up to 65 kph near the center.

The tropical depression was last tracked 415 km east-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The state weather bureau estimated the tropical depression’s rainfall amount from moderate to heavy within its 300-km diameter.

“Scattered to widespread rains is expected over Visayas, Bicol Region and Caraga within 24 hours,” Pagasa predicted.

Pagasa advised fishermen and those with small boats not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of Bicol Region, of Eastern Visayas and of Caraga due to moderate to rough seas brought by Urduja.

The weather bureau also advised the public and the disaster risk reduction and management council to take appropriate actions and monitor its severe weather bulletins. /atm