Tropical cyclone wind signals may be raised over some areas in Northern Luzon on Wednesday evening, Oct. 19, or Thursday morning, Oct. 20, in anticipation of strong winds from tropical depression Obet, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 11 a.m. bulletin issued on Wednesday, PAGASA said the highest possible wind signal that may be hoisted during the passage of Obet is Signal No. 2.

Obet maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph, while moving north-northwestward at 15 kph before Wednesday noon.

PAGASA last observed the tropical depression at a distance of 1,025 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.

It said Obet is likely to move westward by Friday afternoon, Oct. 21, through Saturday, Oct. 22, as it heads toward Northern Luzon or the Luzon Strait.

“On the track forecast, the center of Obet may traverse extreme Northern Luzon or the northern portion of mainland Northern Luzon between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

It may reach tropical storm category by late Friday or early Saturday.

“ Friday early morning through Saturday morning, moderate to heavy with at times intense rains possible over Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and the northern portion of mainland Cagayan. Light to moderate with at times heavy rains possible over Batanes, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, and the rest of mainland Cagayan,” PAGASA said.

“ Saturday morning through afternoon, light to moderate with at times heavy rains over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and the northern portions of Abra and Ilocos Sur,” it added.

PAGASA warned against possible flooding or landslides, especially in areas that are prone to these hazards or have experienced significant rainfall in recent days.