Tropical depression "Crising" has slightly weakened while approaching the Pantaron mountain range in Bukidnon early Friday, May 14, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its severe weather bulletin issued at 5 a.m., PAGASA said Crising was already in the vicinity of Kapalong, Davao del Norte at around 4 a.m.
It has slightly weakened with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 75 kph while moving slowly west-northwestward.
Tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains raised over the southeastern portion of Negros Oriental, southern portion of Surigao del Sur, central and southern portions of Agusan del Sur, northern and central portions of Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao City, northern portion of Cotabato, northern portion of Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, central and western portions of Misamis Oriental, northeastern portion of Zamboanga del Sur, and northeastern portion of Zamboanga del Norte.
"Strong breeze conditions are likely over the localities where tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 is in effect, especially in the coastal and mountainous areas of these localities," PAGASA said.
Light to moderate with at times heavy rains may also persist over Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Cotabato, Maguindanao, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Sur, and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte.
"Under these conditions, isolated to scattered flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides are possible during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps," PAGASA warned.
"Adjacent or nearby areas may also experience flooding in the absence of such rainfall occurrence due to surface runoff or swelling of river channels," it said.
Moreover, Crising could trigger moderate to rough seas in areas under Signal No. 1 in the next 24 hours.
"Mariners of small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over these waters, (while) inexperienced mariners of these vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions," PAGASA said.
Projected track and intensity
Crising may continue to move westward or west-northwestward and cross the rugged terrain of Mindanao before emerging over the Sulu Sea this evening, May 14, while it may traverse Palawan by Saturday, May 15.
PAGASA said Crising could weaken into a remnant low by Saturday before or during its landfall over Palawan and dissipate shortly afterward.
However, due to the expected deterioration in the circulation of the tropical depression while traversing Mindanao, PAGASA said there is an increasing possibility that Crising will degenerate into a remnant low within Friday.