TROPICAL Depression Wilma maintained its strength early Saturday as it inched westward toward Eastern Visayas, prompting Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over more than 60 provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of 7 a.m., the weather bureau located Wilma’s center 70 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 55 kph. The system is moving slowly west, with strong winds extending up to 220 km from its center.
PAGASA said Wilma is expected to make its first landfall in Eastern Visayas later today before crossing the Visayas region through Sunday. By Monday morning, the storm may emerge over the Sulu Sea and pass near northern Palawan. It is forecast to remain a tropical depression while over land, but may intensify once it reaches the West Philippine Sea.
Signal No. 1 is now raised over a wide stretch of areas including Sorsogon, Masbate, Cebu, Leyte, Samar provinces, Northern Mindanao’s coastal provinces, and parts of Palawan and Mindoro — where minimal to minor wind damage is possible. PAGASA also warned that the Northeast Monsoon will continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of Luzon, Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula through Monday.
Heavy rainfall is expected over Visayas and parts of Mindanao and Southern Luzon due to the combined effects of Wilma and the shear line. Flooding and landslides may occur in high-risk areas.
A gale warning is in effect over the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, with waves reaching up to 5.5 meters, making sea travel dangerous for all vessels. Fisherfolk and operators of small boats are urged to stay ashore.
PAGASA advised emergency officials and residents in vulnerable communities to prepare for possible evacuations and to monitor local weather updates. The next bulletin will be issued at 11 a.m.
