A low-pressure area (LPA) has intensified into a tropical depression named “Verbena” early Monday morning, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over multiple provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao.
In its 5:00 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau reported that Tropical Depression Verbena was last located 330 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
The weather system is moving west at 30 kilometers per hour (kph) and is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, with gusts reaching up to 55 kph.
TCWS No. 1 has been hoisted over 22 areas across the central and southern Philippines, warning residents of strong winds and the onset of heavy rainfall.
The signal includes central and northern Cebu, as well as several other regions expected to be affected by the storm.
PAGASA forecasts that Verbena is projected to make landfall over the Caraga region by Monday evening. The storm is expected to continue its northwestward track through the Visayas and northern MIMAROPA before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by early Wednesday.
Forecasters emphasized that while the storm is not expected to reach super typhoon intensity, it is anticipated to be a significant rainmaker.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across Eastern and Central Visayas, Siquijor, and portions of Caraga and Northern Mindanao.
The bureau has warned the public against potential flooding and landslides, particularly in elevated and mountainous areas.