Signal No. 1 up as ‘Verbena’ crosses Visayas

Metro Manila, Philippines – Signal No. 1 is still hoisted over 29 areas in the country as Tropical Depression Verbena continued to cross Visayas on Tuesday, Nov. 25, bringing heavy rainfall that triggered flooding in some areas. 

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, weather bureau PAGASA said “Verbena” was last seen over Negros Oriental, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

On Tuesday morning, rescuers were seen assisting residents in Purok Marks, Brgy. Singcang Airport in Negros Occidental, as rising floodwaters hit the area, prompting locals to go up to their roofs.

The Philippine Coast Guard also said over 5,000 travelers were stranded in various seaports in the country amid the passage of the tropical cyclone.

PAGASA raised Signal No. 1 over the following areas:

Luzon – Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, the northern and central portions of Palawan including Calamian, Cuyo, and Cagayancillo Islands, and mainland Masbate.

Visayas – Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte 

Mindanao – Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, the northern portion of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, the northeastern portion of Agusan del Sur, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, the northern portion of Misamis Occidental, and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte.

Heavy to intense rains may be experienced mainly over the Western Visayas. Significant rainfall is also expected in the remaining parts of Visayas, as well as parts of Caraga region and northern Mindanao.

A shear line, a zone where cold and warm winds meet, will bring heavy rains over Quezon, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Batangas, and Marinduque.

“Verbena” will cross Visayas and northern Palawan on Tuesday before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday. It is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday.

“It may reach tropical storm category either before reaching northern Palawan or once over the West Philippine Sea,” PAGASA said. “‘Verbena’ may peak at severe tropical storm category while in the middle of the West Philippine Sea north of Kalayaan Islands.”