Several provinces in Mindanao were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 on Thursday morning as Tropical Storm Basyang continued its approach toward the Surigao del Sur landmass.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the storm was last tracked 440 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kph.
Gale-force winds are expected in areas under Signal No. 2, which include Surigao del Norte, Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and portions of Bukidnon and Davao Oriental.
A wider range of provinces across the Visayas and Mindanao remain under Signal No. 1, where strong winds are anticipated to prevail throughout the day.
PAGASA issued a warning for low-lying coastal communities in the Dinagat Islands, the Surigao provinces, and parts of the Visayas regarding a minimal to moderate risk of storm surges, with peak heights potentially reaching two meters within the next 48 hours.
Heavy rainfall is also forecast for the Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and Davao regions as the storm maintains its west-southwest track.
Forecasters indicated that Basyang may further intensify before its projected landfall over Surigao del Sur between Thursday night and Friday morning.
While the storm is expected to weaken slightly as it interacts with the Mindanao landmass, it is predicted to remain at tropical storm strength.
Additionally, the northeast monsoon continues to bring strong gusts to Luzon, including Metro Manila, and the Visayas.