Metro Manila, Philippines – Tropical Storm Ada is set to bring heavy rains over the weekend as it moves north over the Philippine Sea east of Visayas on Friday, Jan. 16.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Ada” is forecast to pass close to eastern and northern Samar tomorrow and Catanduanes on Sunday.
“A further westward shift in the forecast track may result in a possible landfall over Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region,” the bureau said.
Signal No. 1 is still raised over these areas:
- Luzon: The eastern portion of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and the eastern portion of mainland Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands
- Visayas: Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, the northern and central portions of Leyte, and the eastern portion of Southern Leyte
- Mindanao: Dinagat Islands and Siargao, Bucas Grande Islands
PAGASA said “Ada” was last located 325 kilometers (km) east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, moving north at 15 km per hour (kph).
The weather disturbance packs maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
Preparations for ‘Ada’
The Office of Civil Defense said their agency and various government bureaus have conducted Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments and activated preparedness measures in anticipation of the tropical cyclone’s impact.
In a statement, Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros advised the public to take precautions.
Cabreros cited the recent unrest of Mayon Volcano and possible additional measures needed as “Ada may exacerbate the emergency situation” in the Bicol region.
Local government units in affected areas have been alerted to implement necessary actions immediately.
