Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) — Ten provinces in Luzon and Visayas are now under tropical cyclone signal no. 1 due to Tropical Depression Urduja.
In its 5 a.m. update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hoisted signal no. 1 in the following provinces:
Catanduanes
Albay
Sorsogon
Masbate
Eastern Samar
Northern Samar
Samar
Biliran
Leyte
Southern Leyte
This means that classes in pre-school and kindergarten are automatically suspended in the affected areas.
PAGASA said as of 4 a.m., Urduja continues to pack maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 65 kph.
It was also located 175 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, heading west 8 kph.
PAGASA said Urduja is expected to make landfall in the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas on Saturday, after which it is expected to cross Southern Luzon over the weekend.
The state weather bureau added areas within the 400-km radius of Urduja will experience moderate to heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, some local governments have suspended classes for December 14 due to the storm’s effects.
READ: #WalangPasok: Class suspensions on December 14, Thursday
On Monday, Urduja intensified into a Tropical Depression from a low pressure area.
PAGASA said Urduja may intensify into a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds 62 to 88 kph.
PAGASA also warned fisherfolk and those with small seacraft not to venture over the eastern seaboard of Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and the Caraga region.
It said moderate to rough seas may occur as Urduja approaches.
