Tropical depression Obet may likely closely approach or pass over Batanes or Babuyan Islands between Friday afternoon and evening, Oct. 21, according to the latest bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its bulletin issued on Friday, PAGASA estimated the location of Obet at 335 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes and moving westward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph).
“Tropical depression Obet is forecast to track generally westward until tomorrow (Oct. 22) and its center is likely to pass over or very close to the Batanes-Babuyan Islands area between this afternoon or evening (Oct. 21). On the track forecast, Obet will exit the Philippine area of responsibility tomorrow morning (Oct. 22),” PAGASA said.
Obet has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph.
Due to the expected strong winds from this weather disturbance, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana and Gonzaga).
“Throughout the passage of Obet, strong winds (strong breeze to near gale strength) may be experienced within any of the areas where Wind Signal No. 1 is hoisted. However, the hoisting of Wind Signal No. 2 (for gale-force winds) remains possible should Obet reach tropical storm category prior or during its traverse of the Luzon Strait—a scenario that is not ruled out at this time,” PAGASA said.
Moreover, it said that moderate to intense rains are likely over Batanes and Babuyan Islands and possibly over the northern portions of Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and mainland Cagayan as early as Friday.
“Light to moderate with at times heavy rains possible over the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte,” it said.
PAGASA warned against possible flooding or landslides, especially in areas that are prone to these hazards or have experienced significant rainfall in recent days.