TCWS #1 has been raised over Southern Surigao del Sur. Photo courtesy of Pagasa.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted over southern Surigao del Sur on Wednesday as tropical depression Basyang moved west-southwestward, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
As of Wednesday morning, Basyang was located about 895 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, moving at 20 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gusts reaching 70 kph.
The wind signal covers Cagwait, Marihatag, San Agustin, Barobo, Tagbina, Hinatuan, Bislig City, Lingig, and Lianga, where winds of 39 to 61 kph may bring minimal to minor risks to life and property.
Pagasa said Basyang could strengthen into a tropical storm while crossing the Philippine Sea, with the highest wind signal during its passage expected to be Signal No. 2.
The cyclone is forecast to make landfall over eastern Mindanao between Thursday evening and Friday morning, then cross northeastern Mindanao, Central and Western Visayas, and enter the Sulu Sea by Saturday. It may pass over northern Palawan before moving into the West Philippine Sea.
A gale warning remains in effect over the eastern Visayas, including the northern and eastern coasts of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar, where small vessels are advised to exercise caution or avoid navigation.
After landfall, Basyang is expected to weaken into a tropical depression and could downgrade further to a low-pressure area by Monday, February 9. Residents in hazard-prone areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and local government instructions.