Some provinces experience moderate to heavy rains as Ambo approaches

Moderate to heavy rains were experienced over some provinces as Tropical Storm Ambo approaches the country, a report on GMA News’ Unang Balita said Wednesday.

In Koronadal City, South Cotabato, moderate to heavy rains with strong winds and thunderstorms were experienced on Tuesday night.

State weather bureau PAGASA said these were due to localized thunderstorms brought by the extension of the tropical storm.

Some shoppers were temporarily stranded in a mall as rainwater immediately flooded the area. Some of the farmers in the province, however, were grateful for the rainfall.

Meanwhile, a huge part of Virac, Catanduanes also felt the effects of the approaching Ambo as they experienced downpour.

Even as Ambo is not seen to cross the province, Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua said the government is already preparing for its impact.

The personnel of the provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will hold a meeting in light of the tropical storm.

In Polangui, Albay, meanwhile, the rains forced farmers to harvest their palay earlier than scheduled, according to a 24 Oras News Alert.

PAGASA earlier forecast that Ambo will make landfall over the Bicol Region.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 was raised over Northern Samar as well as the northern portion of Samar and Eastern Samar as Tropical Storm Ambo moved toward the island, state weather bureau PAGASA said on Wednesday.

At 10 a.m., Ambo was located at 360 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 105 kph, moving northwest slowly. — Joviland Rita/RSJ/KG, GMA News