As Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” continues to move away from land, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Friday, Oct. 25 that most of Luzon and Visayas can expect a gradual decrease in the amount and intensity of rainfall and fewer areas under wind signals over the weekend.

As of 4 a.m., the center of Kristine was located 125 kilometers west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, moving at a slightly increased speed of 25 kilometers per hour (kph) in a west-northwest direction.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja said the storm is expected to continue to move away from land over the next 12 hours and should exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday afternoon.

However, due to its proximity to land and a wide diameter of 1,400 kilometers, wind signals may still be in effect as the storm’s outer circulation continues to affect several areas.

Wind signals may be lifted or downgraded as Kristine exits the PAR, Estareja said.

Based on the 5 a.m. bulletin, Signal No. 2 remains in effect in Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, northern portion of Cavite (Ternate, Maragondon, Naic, Tanza, City of General Trias, Rosario, Cavite City, Noveleta, Kawit, Imus City, Bacoor City), northern portion of Rizal (Cainta, Taytay, Angono, San Mateo, Rodriguez, Tanay, City of Antipolo, Baras, Teresa, Morong), and northern portion of mainland Quezon (General Nakar).

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is still raised in Batanes, the rest of Rizal, the rest of Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, the rest of Quezon (including Polillo Islands), Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Islands), Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, northern portion of mainland Palawan (El Nido, Taytay, Araceli, Dumaran, San Vicente) including Calamian, Cuyo, and, Kalayaan Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, northern and central portions of Sorsogon (Castilla, Magallanes, Pilar, Casiguran, Donsol, Juban, Gubat, City of Sorsogon, Prieto Diaz, Bulan), northern and central portions of Masbate (City of Masbate, Uson, Dimasalang, Mobo, Cawayan, Aroroy, Balud, Mandaon, Milagros, Baleno, including Ticao and Burias Islands), Aklan, Capiz, Antique (including Caluya Islands), and northwestern portion of Iloilo (Lambunao, Calinog, Bingawan, Janiuay, City of Passi).

Estareja added that while rainfall has decreased in some areas, the threat of flooding and landslides persists in regions still experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall.

On Friday, moderate to heavy rains (50 to 100 millimeters) may continue in Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan.

The rest of Luzon may also experience some rains.

The trough or extension of Kristine may bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to Visayas, while Mindanao could experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said there is a possibility Kristine may follow a looping path over the West Philippine Sea by Sunday and Monday, Oct. 27 or 28, which could result in its return to the PAR.

Estareja advised the public to continue monitoring PAGASA updates regarding the implications of Kristine’s possible return.