Signal No. 1 raised in 11 areas due to ‘Usman’

MANILA, Philippines — Storm signal number 1 has been raised over 11 areas as Tropical Depression “Usman” as it continues to threaten the country, the weather bureau said.

In its 5 a.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said areas in Luzon placed under Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 are Sorsogon and Masbate, including Ticao Island.

In the Visayas, also under Signal No. 1 are Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Northern Cebu, including Camotes Islands.

Meanwhile, the Dinagat Island in Mindanao was also placed under Signal No. 1.

Pagasa said storm signals might also be raised over Albay, including Burias Island, Romblon, Aklan, Capiz, and northern sections of Negros Occidental and Iloilo province on Thursday.

The tropical depression may also intensify into a tropical storm ahead of its expected landfall over Eastern Samar on Friday.

Starting today, Dec. 27, 2018, moderate to heavy rain, which may trigger flooding and landslides, is expected over the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

Pagasa advised fisher folk and those with small seacraft not to venture out over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon and areas under storm signal due to rough seas associated with the tropical depression.

At 4 a.m., Pagasa spotted Usman 435 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

It was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 65 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 20 kph.

Pagasa said Usman could exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Dec. 31, Tuesday. /cbb