Tropical Depression Verbena maintained its strength on Monday, Nov. 24, as it moved toward the Caraga region, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to place 27 areas in Visayas, northeastern Mindanao, and southern Luzon under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.

As of 10 a.m., the center of Verbena was estimated at 205 kilometers east-southeast of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

It had maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 55 kph, and was moving westward at 15 kph.

“Even though it is only a tropical depression, it can still bring hazards, so we want to ensure that everyone is well-informed and prepared,” said PAGASA Weather Division Chief Jun Galang in a press conference on Monday.

PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda added that Verbena’s circulation is wide, and its rainbands are already affecting large parts of Visayas, portions of Mindanao, and the southern portion of Southern Luzon.

She noted that residents should expect heavy rainfall and gusty winds, especially in areas near the tropical depression’s central track.

Castañeda also reminded the public that the shear line, a weather system formed by the collision of cold air from the northeast monsoon and warm air from the easterlies, would bring additional heavy rainfall to eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon.

PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over several areas due to Verbena. The areas under the wind signal are as follows:

* Occidental Mindoro

* Oriental Mindoro

* Romblon

* Northern Palawan (Araceli, Taytay, El Nido, Dumaran, Roxas, San Vicente, Calamian Island, Cuyo Island, Cagayancillo Island)

* Mainland Masbate (Balud, Mandaon, Milagros, Cawayan, Placer, Pio V. Corpuz, Esperanza, Uson, Dimasalang, City of Masbate, Mobo, Palanas, Aroroy, Cataingan, Baleno)

* Antique

* Aklan

* Capiz

* Iloilo

* Guimaras

* Negros Occidental

* Negros Oriental

* Siquijor

* Cebu

* Bohol

* Samar

* Eastern Samar

* Biliran

* Leyte

* Southern Leyte

* Dinagat Islands

* Surigao del Norte

* Northern Surigao del Sur (Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes, San Miguel, City of Tandag, Tago, Bayabas, Cagwait, Marihatag, Lianga, Barobo, San Agustin)

* Agusan del Norte

* Northern Agusan del Sur (Sibagat, Prosperidad, City of Bayugan, Esperanza)

* Camiguin

* Eastern Misamis Oriental (Magsaysay, Gingoog City, Medina, Talisayan, Balingoan, Kinoguitan, Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, Salay, Lagonglong, Balingasag, Claveria, Jasaan)

The wind signal indicates strong winds of 39 to 61 kph with a lead time of 36 hours, posing minimal to minor threat to life and property.

PAGASA also warned that local winds may be stronger in coastal and mountainous areas exposed to the prevailing wind direction.

According to PAGASA’s forecast, Verbena is expected to move generally west-northwestward across the central Philippines between Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 25.

It may make landfall over the Caraga region Monday afternoon or evening.

The system is forecast to cross Visayas and northern Palawan before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning, Nov. 26.

Verbena may intensify slightly before landfall but is expected to remain a tropical depression while crossing Visayas.

It could reach tropical storm strength before northern Palawan or over the West Philippine Sea and may peak as a severe tropical storm over the West Philippine Sea.

Castañeda also noted that if Verbena intensifies into a tropical storm, PAGASA may raise the highest wind signal, Signal No. 2, for affected areas.