Signal No. 1 up in Catanduanes as tropical depression enters PAR

MANILA, Philippines — Signal No. 1 has been raised in Catanduanes due to the entry of a tropical cyclone that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) named Kristine.

Tropical depression Kristine was estimated some 1,050 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, Pagasa said Monday. It was moving west- outhwestward at 30 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Pagasa Administrator Nathaniel Servando told The Manila Times that the tropical depression was forecast to make landfall in the northeastern portion of Cagayan by Friday.

«Kristine is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm in the next 12 hours,» Servando said. «It may reach severe tropical storm category by Tuesday afternoon or evening and typhoon category by Thursday afternoon or evening prior to landfall,» he added.

Areas currently affected by Kristine include the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and Quezon where scattered rains and thunderstorms would prevail.

Meanwhile, its trough will be felt in other areas including Metro Manila where scattered and isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are likely.