By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will likely raise tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 over some parts of Eastern Visayas on Tuesday, ahead of potentially strong winds associated with the approaching tropical depression “Ambo.”
The cyclone was approximately 300 kilometers (km) east-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur around 10 p.m. Monday (May 11), and has maintained maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness up to 70 kph.
Its slow movement while over the sea may contribute to the cyclone’s intensification into a tropical storm in the next 24 hours. A cyclone is classified as a tropical storm once it reaches maximum sustained winds of 62 kph to 88 kph.
PAGASA advised residents in Mindanao to brace for scattered light to moderate with at times heavy rains during thunderstorms in the next 24 hours due to the trough or advancing clouds of Ambo.
Flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur in highly to very highly susceptible areas during heavy or prolonged rainfall, the weather bureau warned.
Meanwhile, moderate to rough seas will prevail over the eastern coasts of Eastern Visayas and Caraga. Fisherfolk and those with small sea craft should not sail into these areas.
Should it maintain its current track, Ambo will likely make landfall over Bicol region by Thursday or Friday, PAGASA earlier said.