Tropical storm “Samuel” accelerated slightly while moving northwest over the Philippine Sea on Monday afternoon, the weather bureau said.
The storm was forecast to make landfall over Eastern Visayas and Caraga on Tuesday afternoon or evening.
Samuel’s center was estimated 505 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, as of 4 pm on Monday. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph and was moving northwest at 25 kph.
Tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 remained in effect over Masbate, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin.
Caraga Region, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Negros Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin must brace for moderate to heavy rain that could trigger floods and landslides.
Those living within these areas should take precautionary measures and coordinate with disaster officials, the weather bureau said.
