Tropical Depression Crising Intensifies Over Eastern Philippines
Tropical Depression Crising slightly strengthened on Wednesday night, prompting the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 across 26 areas, local weather authorities confirmed. The tropical depression’s impact is being closely monitored as it moves northwestward.
According to weather officials, Crising was last spotted 615 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, and 630 kilometers from Juban, Sorsogon. It carries sustained winds reaching 55 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 70 km/h while moving northwest at 10 km/h. The tropical depression remains an active weather threat for several regions in the coming days.
Projected Path and Areas Under Wind Signal
Experts predict that Crising will continue moving generally northwestward within the next 48 hours. It may pass near or make landfall over mainland Cagayan or the Babuyan Islands between Friday evening and early Saturday morning (July 19). Afterward, the system is expected to head west-northwest and possibly exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday afternoon or evening.
As a precaution, TCWS No. 1 has been raised in several areas, including parts of Cagayan such as Gattaran, Baggao, and Peñablanca; the eastern portion of Isabela covering towns like Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Dinapigue, San Pablo, Tumauini, Ilagan City, and others; northeastern Aurora including Dilasag, Casiguran, and Dinalungan; and northeastern Quirino.
Authorities warn that winds blowing between 39 to 61 km/h could pose a minimal to minor risk to life and property. It is also possible that TCWS No. 3 might be the highest wind signal issued during Crising’s passage.
Southwest Monsoon Brings Strong Gusts Across Regions
Besides the tropical depression, the southwest monsoon (locally known as habagat) will cause strong to gale-force gusts, especially in coastal and upland areas. On Wednesday, those affected include Palawan, Siquijor, Bohol, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands.
On Thursday, gusts will expand to Batangas, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Mimaropa provinces (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), the Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
By Friday, strong winds are forecasted for Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon provinces, Bicol, Mimaropa, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several Provinces
Crising is expected to bring 50 to 100 millimeters of rain from Wednesday night to Thursday evening. Areas likely to experience this include Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran.
Meanwhile, the habagat will cause heavy rainfall of 100 to 200 millimeters in Antique and Negros Occidental. Other regions receiving 50 to 100 millimeters include Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Siquijor, and Zamboanga del Norte.
Local leaders noted the importance of preparedness as these weather disturbances could affect daily life and safety. Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to stay updated with the latest advisories.
For more news and updates on Tropical Depression Crising, visit Filipinokami.com.
