The low pressure area east of southeastern Luzon has transformed into tropical depression ‘Ramil,’ prompting the state weather bureau to raise wind signal no. 1 in parts of Luzon and Visayas.
In an early morning forecast on Friday, October 17, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said ‘Ramil’ was approaching west northwestward towards central Southern Luzon.
By around 11:00 a.m., it slightly intensified and was monitored at at 760 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes. ‘Ramil’ moving southwestward at 25 km per hour (kph), packing winds of up to 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
The new cyclone is projected to land in Catanduanes by Saturday afternoon make a second landfall in either Aurora or Quezon province by Sunday. A southward shift may lead it to a different location, possibly adding more areas under the tropical cyclone wind signal.
“After landfall, ‘Ramil’ may traverse the rugged terrain of Northern or Central Luzon and will emerge over the West Philippine Sea by Sunday afternoon or evening and exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday (20 October) morning,” PAGASA said.
Signal No. 1 has been raised over the following areas in Luzon and Visayas at the moment:
LUZON
The eastern and southern portions of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Atimonan, Padre Burgos, Unisan, Gumaca, Plaridel, Agdangan, Pagbilao, Mauban, Calauag, Guinayangan, Lopez, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, San Narciso, Buenavista, San Francisco, San Andres, Mulanay) including Pollilo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Burias Island, and Ticao Island.
VISAYAS
Northern Samar, the northern portion of Eastern Samar (San Policarpo, Arteche, Oras, Dolores, Maslog, Jipapad, Taft, Can-Avid), the northern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan, Calbayog City, Gandara, Santa Margarita, Pagsanghan, San Jorge)
PAGASA said ‘Ramil’ will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach tropical storm category by early morning on Saturday.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect details from the 11:00 a.m. weather forecast of PAGASA.
