Metro Manila, Philippines – “Ada” has intensified into a tropical storm on Thursday, Jan. 15, as it moves over the Philippine Sea east of Surigao del Norte.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 1 in several areas, warning of heavy rainfall and severe winds in its path.
“Ada,” with international name “Nokaen,” may hit land in either Eastern Visayas or Bicol this weekend.
Areas under Signal No. 1 include:
- Luzon: Sorsogon, the southeastern portion of Albay, and Catanduanes
- Visayas: Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, the eastern portion of Biliran, the eastern portion of Leyte, and the eastern portion of Southern Leyte
- Mindanao: Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur
PAGASA said “Ada” was 420 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, moving west northwestward at 10 km per hour (kph).
The weather disturbance packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
In its track forecast, the weather bureau said “Ada” will pass close to Eastern Samar and Northern Samar on Friday evening or Saturday early morning before heading towards east of Catanduanes.
