PAGASA: 11 areas under Signal 1 as 'Sendong' intensifies into storm

At least 11 areas were placed under Storm Signal No. 1 as Tropical Depressino Sendong intensified into a storm while moving towards northeast Mindanao Thursday afternoon.   As of 4 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Sendong was estimated at 610 km east southeast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and with gustiness of up to 80 kph. .   "Eastern Visayas and northeastern Mindanao will experience rains with gusty winds and the coastal waters along these areas will be rough to very rough. The rest of country will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms," PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.   It added that moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Western Visayas and coming from the northeast to northwest over the rest of Mindanao and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.   Sendong was forecast to move west northwest at 30 kph and is expected to make landfall over Surigao del Sur Friday afternoon. By Saturday afternoon it is expected to be 220 km east northeast of Puerto Princesa City. By Sunday afternoon it is expected to be 260 km west northwest of Puerto Princesa.   Under Storm Signal No. 1 are:  

• Eastern Samar
• Western Samar
• Leyte provinces
• Camotes Island
• Bohol
• Surigao Del Norte
• Siargao Island
• Surigao Del Sur
• Dinagat Province
• Agusan Provinces
• Misamis Oriental

  PAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal No. 1 to take precautions against possible flash floods and landslides.   It also said those living in coastal areas should be alert against big waves or storm surges generated by Sendong.   PAGASA also estimated rainfall of 10 to 25 mm per hour (heavy) within the 400-km diameter of Sendong.   Meanwhile, PAGASA said strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of the northeast monsoon may affect the northern and western seaboards of northern Luzon and western seaboard of Central Luzon.   "Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," it said. — RSJ, GMA News