The state weather bureau raised tropical cyclone wind signals in portions of Northern and Eastern Samar on Monday due to Tropical Storm Dante, which it projected to intensify further.
In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Dante was spotted at 4 p.m. approximately 375 km east northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.1 is hoisted over the eastern portion of Northern Samar (Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Palapag, and Laoang) and the northeastern portion of Eastern Samar (Arteche, San Policarpo).
It may cause slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures, PAGASA said.
The country's fourth storm of 2021 will likely remain over the Philippine Sea before moving northwestward in the next 36 hours, the weather agency said. It will then turn north-northwestward on Wednesday afternoon and generally northeastward on Friday.
The weather disturbance is expected to reach severe tropical storm category by Wednesday before dissipating throughout its movement.
In a press conference, PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said 'Dante' now packs maximum sustained winds of 75 km. per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness up to 90 kph.
"Based on (Dante's) forecast track, we don't expect it to make landfall," Perez said.
On Wednesday, "Dante" is expected to be 265 km. east of Legazpi, Albay, and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday, he added.
"Those in Eastern Visayas and the eastern section of Mindanao should avoid venturing out to the seas. Moderate to rough seas are expected due to the tropical storm," Perez said.
PAGASA forecasts light to moderate, with at times heavy rains to continue over Caraga, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental.
Isolated to scattered floods and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas highly susceptible to these hazards.
Nearby areas may also experience flooding in the absence of such rainfall occurrence due to surface runoff of river channels, PAGASA reiterated.
