Tropical Depression Dodong accelerated as it moved westward over the coastal waters of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, the state weather bureau said on Friday, July 14.

PAGASA weather update at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14. (Photo credit to PAGASA)

In its latest issued bulletin at 5 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Dodong" has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour(kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 75 kph.

It was spotted moving westwards at 20 kph over the coastal waters of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. 

PAGASA hoists Signal No. 1

Unlike the previous bulletin released by the PAGASA at 2 p.m., there are fewer places under the tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 1 in Luzon.

PAGASA weather update at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14. (Photo credit to PAGASA)

TCWS No. 1 will remain hoisted in Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and the northern portion of Isabela (Mallig, Quezon, Santa Maria, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Tumauini, Santo Tomas, San Pablo, Maconacon)

PAGASA warns small seacrafts

Due to a combined effect of "Dodong" and enhanced southwest monsoon, or in local terms, "habagat," may bring moderate to rough seas over the eastern and western seaboards of northern Luzon and the western seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon. 

Thus, PAGASA encouraged mariners of small seacrafts to take necessary precautions on sailing in the sea. (Sonny Daanoy)