Signal No. 1 up over three Luzon areas due to ‘Salome’

Metro Manila, Philippines - Three areas in Luzon were placed under Signal No. 1 on Wednesday, Oct. 22, due to Tropical Depression Salome, the weather bureau said.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Signal No. 1 was raised over Batanes, the western portion of Babuyan Islands, and the northwestern portion of Ilocos Norte.

“Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1,” PAGASA said.

“[T]he possibility of reaching tropical storm category is not ruled out, the worst case scenario is Wind Signal No. 2,” the bureau warned.

PAGASA said “Salome” may pass close or make landfall over Batanes between Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

It will then approach Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte by Thursday.

“Salome” was last seen 255 kilometers (km) north northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.