Signal No. 1 hoisted over Catanduanes as 'Quinta' strengthens, accelerates

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:53 a.m.) — PAGASA hoisted Signal No. 1 over Catanduanes as Tropical Depression Quinta slightly strenghtened and sped up.

The state weather bureau said strong to near gale-force winds can be expected within 36 hours in Catanduanes.

It added that Signal No. 1 may be raised over Albay, Sorsogon, northern Samar and the eastern portion of Camarines Sur by 5 p.m.

PAGASA said that "Quinta" may intensify into a severe tropical storm before making landfall over Bicol region between Sunday evening and Monday morning.

According to its 11 a.m. bulletin issued today, "Quinta" is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm within 12 hours.

"Quinta" is moving northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kilometers per hour.

The troughs of Tropical Depression Quinta and Typhoon Pepito, outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, will bring light to moderate with at times heavy rains over large portions of Mimaropa, Bicol region, Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Bangsamoro, northern Mindanao and Caraga.

As of 10 a.m. today, the center of "Quinta" was spotted 660 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar.