Heavy to intense rains may occur in several areas of Visayas and Mindanao due to the interaction of Tropical Depression (TD) Querubin and the shear line, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
“The shear line and ‘Querubin’ (and their interaction) will potentially bring heavy or intense rainfall over several areas in Visayas and Mindanao, even those far from the projected path of the tropical depression,” PAGASA said in its 11 p.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin.
TD Querubin
PAGASA reported that “Querubin” has been moving north-northeastward over the waters east of Mindanao.
The center of the storm was located 275 km east-northeast of General Santos City and 195 km east of Davao International Airport, Davao City.
It is moving north-northeastward at 10 kilometers per hour (km/h), with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 55 km/h.
PAGASA forecasted that “Querubin” will generally move north-northeastward or northward over the waters east of Mindanao within the next 12 hours before turning toward the Caraga Region on Dec. 18.
“Within the next 24 hours, ‘Querubin’ will become a remnant low-pressure area,” PAGASA said.
The weather bureau also noted that between Dec. 18 and Dec. 22, the remnant low-pressure area of “Querubin” will traverse Mindanao, the Sulu Sea, and Palawan.
“Due to the weak nature of its circulation, the track forecast of ‘Querubin’ may still shift within the limits of the forecast confidence cone,” PAGASA added.
PAGASA also explained that although a weakening scenario is expected, “possible re-development into a tropical depression may occur” once the remnant low of TD Querubin reaches the West Philippine Sea.
PAGASA noted that the highest wind signal that may be hoisted during the occurrence of “Querubin” is Wind Signal No. 1.
Signal No. 1 has been hoisted in Davao Oriental.