Tropical depression Obet continues to move west toward the Luzon Strait and is “likely to pass over or very close to Batanes” by Friday afternoon or evening, Oct. 21, according to the latest bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 11 a.m. bulletin issued on Friday, PAGASA said Obet was last seen 205 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes and was moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).

It 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 Obet, 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, moderate to intense rains are likely over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern portions of Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and mainland Cagayan until early Saturday, Oct. 22.

Light to heavy rains are also possible over the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte.

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA said.

It said the weather disturbance may likely exit the country’s area of responsibility by Saturday morning or afternoon.