MANILA – Tropical Depression Kristine has intensified into a tropical storm, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in various parts of the country. The storm now packs maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near its center, with gusts reaching up to 80 kph.
As of the latest advisory, Kristine was located 390 km east of Virac, Catanduanes, and is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to several regions.
Signal No. 1 is currently in effect over the following areas:
Luzon: Eastern and central portions of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, the southern part of Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, parts of Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, including Polillo Islands, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Ticao and Burias Islands.
Visayas: Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte.
Mindanao: Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande.
Strong Winds and Warnings
PAGASA warned that strong winds will affect the areas under Signal No. 1. Kristine, combined with a northeasterly wind flow, will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over other regions, including Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Palawan, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and parts of Davao and Zamboanga.
In addition, a gale warning has been issued for the eastern seaboard of Luzon, the southern seaboard of Southern Luzon, and the eastern seaboard of the Visayas, making sea travel hazardous for all vessels. Mariners are advised to stay in port or seek safe shelter until conditions improve.
Forecast and Outlook
PAGASA expects Tropical Storm Kristine to make landfall over Isabela on Wednesday evening and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday.
Stay tuned for further updates and safety advisories from local disaster management offices.
ia/mnm
