Tropical Depression Kristine slightly decelerated Monday afternoon while tracking westward across the Philippine Sea.
As of 4 p.m., Kristine was located 760 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, with sustained winds of 55 kph and gusts reaching up to 70 kph.
It is currently moving west at a speed of 15 kph, with strong winds extending up to 800 kilometers from the storm’s center.
Tropical Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised in several areas, including:
- Southeastern portion of Isabela (Palanan, Dinapigue)
- Aurora
- Northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Buenavista, San Narciso, San Andres, General Nakar, Pitogo, San Francisco, Calauag, Pagbilao, Infanta, Lopez, Catanauan, Mulanay, Unisan, General Luna, Plaridel, Quezon, Alabat, Sampaloc, Padre Burgos, Macalelon, Mauban, Perez, Agdangan, Gumaca, Atimonan, Real), including Polillo Islands
- Camarines Norte
- Camarines Sur
- Catanduanes
- Albay
- Sorsogon
- Masbate, including Ticao Island and Burias Island
- Eastern Samar
- Northern Samar
- Samar
- Leyte
- Biliran
- Southern Leyte
- Dinagat Islands
- Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande Group
Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience strong winds, with slightly stronger gusts along coastal and upland regions. Minimal to minor wind impacts are expected in these areas.
The tropical depression is projected to move west-southwestward until Tuesday morning, then shift towards a more west-northwest direction. It could make landfall over northern Luzon on Thursday night or Friday morning.
Kristine is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours, possibly becoming a severe tropical storm by Wednesday, and a typhoon by Thursday prior to landfall.
The weather disturbance is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday afternoon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that various parts of the country, especially those near Kristine’s path, will begin to feel its effects soon.
Significant rainfall is expected over the Bicol Region, Southern Luzon, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Northern Luzon over the next few days.