(Eagle News)–Tropical Depression “Usman” has maintained its course and is expected to make landfall over Eastern Samar on Friday night.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said as of 4 a.m., the center of the tropical depression was located 285 kilometers east of Guiuan, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kilometers per hour.
PAGASA said “Usman” is moving west northwest at 10 kilometers per hour.
Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over Northern Palawan including Calamian group of Islands, Camarines Norte, Southern Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, Southern Occidental Mindoro, Southern Oriental Mindoro and Cuyo, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Cebu including Camotes Islands, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique and Northern Negros Occidental, and Dinagat Island.
PAGASA said moderate to heavy rains which may trigger flooding and landslides are expected over Visayas, Bicol Region, Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, and Quezon.
“Residents of these areas, especially those living near river channels and in low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates,” PAGASA said.
The weather agency said the northeast monsoon will also be affecting northern Luzon.