(Eagle News) — “Vinta” maintained its strength on Friday, as it moved toward Eastern Mindanao.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said as of 7 a.m., the center of the tropical storm was located 440 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
“Vinta” is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour, and is expected to move westward at 18 kilometers per hour.
It is expected to make landfall over Caraga – Davao Region between this evening and tomorrow morning.
Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, while Signal No. 1 is up over southern Leyte, Bohol, Dinagat Island, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Northern Davao Oriental, Northern Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte.
Southern Cebu, Siquijor, and Misamis Occidental may be placed under Signal No. 1 in the next bulletin, PAGASA said.
According to PAGASA, “scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains are expected over Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region and Northern Mindanao within 24 hours.”
Residents of these areas must take “appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides, coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates,” PAGASA said.
It added sea travel was risky over the seaboards of areas under a tropical cyclone warning signal.