Tropical Depression Crising Maintains Strength East of Catanduanes
Tropical Depression Crising continues to hold its strength as it moves west-southwest, located east of Catanduanes, sources said Wednesday afternoon. According to the latest updates, Crising was last spotted about 625 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes.
The tropical depression carries maximum winds reaching 45 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 55 kph. It is currently advancing west-northwest at 20 kph, maintaining steady momentum as it approaches Philippine waters.
Projected Movement and Possible Landfall
Forecasters expect Crising to travel generally westward over the next 12 hours before shifting northwestward starting Thursday afternoon until Friday afternoon. Local officials noted that the system may approach or even make landfall near mainland Cagayan or the Babuyan Islands sometime between Friday evening and early Saturday morning.
Afterward, Crising is forecast to veer northwest and possibly exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday afternoon or evening.
Authorities also highlighted that Crising is likely to intensify into a tropical storm by Thursday morning. By Friday afternoon or evening, it could strengthen further into a severe tropical storm before reaching Northern Luzon.
Warnings and Signals in Effect
Due to the approaching system, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 may be raised over parts of Cagayan Valley by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Officials also caution that a similar warning could be issued for Catanduanes if Crising maintains or expands its westward trajectory.
Forecasters emphasized that the highest wind signals during Crising’s passage could reach Wind Signal No. 3 or even No. 4, depending on its development.
Impact of Southwest Monsoon and Rainfall Forecast
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon, locally known as the “habagat,” is expected to bring strong to gale-force winds, especially in coastal and mountainous areas exposed to the wind.
Wednesday: Palawan, Siquijor, Bohol, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands will experience strong gusts.
Thursday: Strong winds will extend to Batangas, Quezon, Bicol Region, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
Friday: The gusts will further affect Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon provinces, Bicol Region, 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 and Flood Risks
Rainfall forecasts indicate that 50 to 100 millimeters of rain may fall from Wednesday through Thursday afternoon in the following provinces: Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran.
Similarly, the southwest monsoon will bring 50 to 100 millimeters of rain over Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte during the same period.
Authorities warned residents in low-lying areas and those near rivers to remain vigilant against possible flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rains.
For more news and updates on Tropical Depression Crising, visit Filipinokami.com.
