Tropical Depression Wilma is on the Move: Prepare for Potential Impact
Tropical Depression Wilma is gaining momentum as it traverses the Philippine Sea, with PAGASA reporting a slight acceleration in its westward-southwestward journey. As of 5 a.m., Wilma has positioned itself approximately 245 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near its center and gusts reaching up to 55 kph. This rapid movement has prompted the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 1 in several regions across the Philippines.
Here's a breakdown of the affected areas:
Luzon:
- Southern Masbate: Cataingan, Pio V. Corpuz, Esperanza, Placer, Cawayan, Palanas, Dimasalang
Visayas:
- Northern Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Samar
- Biliran
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Northern and central Cebu, including Bantayan and Camotes Islands
- Bohol
- Northern and eastern Negros Occidental
- Northern Negros Oriental
- Eastern Iloilo
- Eastern Capiz
Mindanao:
- Surigao del Norte, encompassing Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands
- Dinagat Islands
- Northern Surigao del Sur
- Northern Agusan del Norte
- Camiguin
PAGASA has issued a warning, emphasizing that heavy rains and strong winds could still impact areas outside the forecasted path. The storm's trajectory may also shift within the forecast confidence cone, adding an element of uncertainty. Wilma is projected to continue its westward-southwestward course until Saturday, potentially making landfall or closely approaching Eastern Visayas or the Dinagat Islands between Friday evening and Saturday morning.
Despite the anticipated slight intensification before landfall, the weather bureau predicts that Wilma will likely maintain its status as a tropical depression. However, further strengthening is possible once it enters the West Philippine Sea, highlighting the dynamic nature of this tropical system.
