Tropical depression "Auring" has maintained its strength on Wednesday evening, Feb. 17, while moving west toward the Philippines.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of the center of tropical depression Auring at 755 kilometers east-southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur around 10:00 p.m.
In its 11:00 p.m. severe weather bulletin, PAGASA said the tropical depression has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It is moving west at 10 kph.
"Auring" has no effect yet on the country, as of Wednesday.
However, it is more likely to bring heavy rainfall over Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Bicol region, Calabarzon, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, northern Palawan, and Calamian and Cuyo Islands by weekend, which may last until Monday
Residents in these areas and all disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned, especially those situated in areas identified in hazard maps to be highly susceptible to flooding and rain-induced landslides, were advised to take appropriate preparatory measures.
In anticipation of the arrival of strong breeze to near-gale conditions due to the Auring, PAGASA said they raise tropical cyclone wind signal warnings over several provinces of Caraga and Davao regions as early as Friday. This could result in early disruption of maritime activities.
Based on PAGASA's latest forecast track, tropical depression Auring will likely to move generally west to west-northwest through the forecast period, with an increase in speed likely by Friday as it turn more west-northwest.
"Auring" is still anticipated to make landfall as a tropical storm over Caraga region between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.