'Usman' may strengthen into tropical storm before Eastern Samar landfall
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Usman might intensify into a tropical storm before its possible landfall over Eastern Samar on Friday.
"Usman" moves west-northwest at 20kph and is forecast to cross the northern parts of Leyte, Cebu, Panay Island, Sulu Sea and Palawan after its landfall, PAGASA said in its live forecast at 5 a.m. Wednesday.
Moderate to heavy rains are expected over Eastern Visayas and the region of Bicol on Thursday and Friday, it added.
The state weather bureau said that "Usman" is expected to weaken as it traverses over the Visayan landmass and will re-intensify as it exits to the West Philippine Sea.
As of 3 a.m. on Wednesday, December 26, the center of "Usman" was located at 795 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
"Usman" maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts of 60 kph.
PAGASA: Signal No. 1 may be raised today
PAGASA said Signal No. 1 might be raised over provinces in Eastern Visayas and northern Caraga on Wednesday.
It said that a possible disruption in maritime travel should be expected in these areas
"Usman" is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday, December 31.
The low pressure area being monitored by PAGASA has entered the Philippine area of responsibility and has intensified into a tropical depression.
It was assigned the name "Usman," the 21st tropical cyclone to enter PAR.
At 3 p.m. today, the center of Tropical Depression Usman was estimated based at 955 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph. It is moving northwest at 20 kph.
Five national roads in the Bicol region and in Quezon province remain impassable due to damage brought by Tropical Depression “Usman”, the Department of Public Works and Highways says in a press release.
It says the DPWH is still clearing the following closed roads:
- Marikina-Infanta Road, K0114+838 in Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon due to road cut
- DM Jct. Legazpi-Sto. Domingo-Tabaco-Cam. Sur Bdry. Road sections K0579+000, K579+100, K579+600, K579+920, K579+960, in Barangays Maynonong, Dapdap, Mayong in Tiwi, Albay due to landslide
- Buyo Bridge 2, Legaspi City-Punta de Jesus Road, Molabago Area in Albay due to damaged bridge approach and flood control structures
- Pili-Tigaon-Albay Bdry. Road sections K0504+250, K0504+350, K504+490, K504+690, K504+720, K505+020, K0505+050, K0505+350, K505+480, K505+750 in Camarines Sur due to landslide
- Baao-Iriga City-Nabua Road, K468+250 in Camarines Sur due to damaged Waras Bridge at K468+250
A state of calamity has also been declared over Baco, a small town in Oriental Mindoro, News5 reports
JUST IN | Isinailalim na sa state of calamity ang bayan ng Baco sa Oriental Mindoro. pic.twitter.com/WSpsJ2vLvT
— News5 AKSYON (@News5AKSYON) December 30, 2018
The province of Camarines Sur has declared a state of calamity "due to massive flooding, landslide incidents, and other damages brought about by Typhoon [sic] Usman," Gov. Miguel Luis "Migz" Villafuerte announces on his Facebook page.
Once declared, a state of calamity puts in place price freezes on basic goods and gives the local government access to emergency funds.
The Low Pressure Area that used to be Tropical Depression "Usman" was 50 km west northwest of Catbalogan City, Samar and 105 km east southeast of Masbate City, Masbate as of Sunday morning, PAGASA says.
"This weather disturbance, along with the Tail-End of a Cold Front , will continue to bring, in the next 24 hours, moderate to heavy rains over Bicol Region, Aurora, Quezon, Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, and Northern Palawan, including the Calamian and Cuyo Groups of Islands," the weather bureau also says.
Tropical Depression Usman is no longer expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, PAGASA says in its 5 p.m. briefing.
It is forecast to remain as a tropical depression in the next two days as it crosses the Visayas and Palawan.
As the tropical depression remains almost stationary, PAGASA says they now expect it to make landfall over Eastern Samar between tonight and tomorrow dawn.
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