Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 23) — Severe tropical storm “Vinta” has made landfall in Southern Palawan, the state weather bureau said.
In its 11 p.m. weather bulletin Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Vinta was last spotted in the vicinity of Balabac, Palawan or 285 km southwest of Puerto Princesa City.
Vinta packs slightly stronger maximum winds of 105 kph and gusts of up to 145 kph. It is moving west at a speed of 23 kph.
PAGASA warned the severe tropical storm may further intensify into a typhoon before it exits Philippine territory on December 24, Christmas Eve.
The weather bureau said moderate to heavy rains will prevail over Palawan within the next 24 hours. Light to moderate, with at times heavy rains are expected over the western section of Visayas, and Mindanao.
Residents in affected areas are advised to be on alert against flooding and landslides, and to coordinate with local disaster offices for updates.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over Southern Palawan. The rest of Palawan is under Signal No. 1.
PAGASA warned against sea travel in these areas, including the southern seaboard of Mindoro and the western seaboard of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Vinta came shortly after another cyclone, Urduja exited the Philippines.
Floods caused by Vinta have left 75 dead and 58 people missing in Mindanao, according to national disaster officials.
