PAGASA TROPICAL DEPRESSION WILMA BULLETIN NO. 1
Tropical Depression Wilma formed inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday morning, prompting the state weather bureau to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over several areas.
As of 10 a.m., Wilma’s center was located 625 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, moving west-southwest at 20 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is now hoisted over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, and Dinagat Islands.
Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience strong winds within 36 hours, with minimal to minor impacts on life and property.
Wilma is expected to move west-southwest until Saturday before turning westward across the Visayas over the weekend.
Pagasa’s forecast track shows a possible landfall over Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands between Friday evening and Saturday morning.
The cyclone is expected to remain a tropical depression while over land but may intensify slightly before landfall.
Moderate to very rough seas are also expected along the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas, with sea travel deemed risky for small vessels.
Pagasa advised residents in affected areas, especially those prone to floods and landslides, to take necessary precautions and monitor local warnings as Wilma continues to move closer to the country.