Storm signals up in Visayas and Mindanap as Crising intensifies

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area spotted off Davao City on Wednesday intensified into a tropical storm yesterday and is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains as it traverses the landmass of Mindanao today.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 was raised over the southern portion of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur and northern portion of Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 was raised over the other portions of these provinces as well as Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, northeastern part of Zamboanga del Norte, Siquijor and southern part of Negros Oriental.

PAGASA warned residents of these areas of flooding and landslides, especially in high-hazard areas.

The storm was forecast to make landfall last night or this morning.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Crising was estimated at 150 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The storm is forecast to be in the vicinity of Loreto, Agusan del Sur this morning.

It packed winds of 65 kms near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kms per hour as it moves westward at 25 kph.

The storm is expected to weaken into a tropical depression as it traverses the Mindanao landmass and the Sulu Sea tomorrow.

It is forecast to further weaken before it dissipates on Sunday morning while passing over Palawan.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said local government units should brace for heavy rains brought by Crising, the third cyclone to enter the country this year.

“The public is advised to take precautionary measures, monitor weather updates and follow authorities’ warnings and advisories,” the NDRRMC said.