Tropical Depression (TD) “Kristine” slightly decelerated, now moving 15 kilometers per hour (kph) westward, and a change in its forecast track is not ruled out, the weather bureau said yesterday.
In its 5:00 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said “Kristine” was last located 760 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar. It is highly likely to make landfall over Northern Luzon either by Thursday or Friday, October 24 or 25.
“Changes in the forecast track are not ruled out, depending on the movement of the weather systems surrounding this tropical cyclone in the next few days,” Pagasa said.
“Kristine” packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
Strong winds will prevail in areas where Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been hoisted.
The tropical depression and the northeasterly windflow will also cause strong to gale-force gusts over Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, the southern portion of Palawan, Siquijor, Bohol, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, BARMM, Sarangani, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
Meanwhile, a gale warning was hoisted over the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon and the Visayas.
Pagasa forecast up to very rough seas to prevail in coastal waters over the northern and eastern seaboards of the Bicol Region, the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Samar, the seaboards of Isabela, Aurora, Polillo Islands, and the eastern seaboards of mainland Cagayan.
Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels.
“Mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside,” Pagasa said.
In an interview over PTV 4, Pagasa forecaster Veronica Torres said the TD might reach the typhoon category on Thursday.
“A typhoon has wind speed of 180 to 184 kph, and could uproot trees,” she said.
Torres said “Kristine” is also forecast to bring up to 20 millimeters of rains across Northern and Central Luzon, and Eastern Visayas on Tuesday, October 22.
“This tropical cyclone has a high chance of making landfall over Northern Luzon either on Thursday or Friday. Prior to that, many areas would experience scattered rains, strong winds, and gusty conditions,” Torres said.
“Kristine” is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility either Friday or Saturday, October 25 or 26. (PNA)