Signal No. 1 up over Catanduanes as ‘Karen’ gains speed

Public storm warning Signal No. 1 was raised over Catanduanes on Thursday afternoon as Tropical Depression “Karen” slightly accelerated, according to the state weather bureau.

In its 5 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Signal No. 1 may also be hoisted over the rest of the Bicol region on Thursday evening or Friday morning as Karen was moving closer to the area.

Karen packed maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

The tropical depression was last plotted at 520 kilometers east of Virac in Catanduanes, as it moved west northwest at 13 kph.

Pagasa said moderate to heavy rainfall was expected within 300 km of the tropical depression.

Pagasa earlier said Karen was expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Tuesday next week. YG/rga