Signal No. 1 raised in Eastern Samar as TD Usman maintains strength

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is raised over Eastern Samar as Tropical Depression Usman maintained its strength on Wednesday evening.

In its 11 p.m. update, the weather bureau said Usman continues to move west-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph.

As of 10 p.m., the center of Tropical Depression Usman was located at 565 km east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

Usman may intensify into a Tropical Storm prior to landfall over Eastern Samar on Friday.

PAGASA reported that TCWS No. 1 may be raised over Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte on Thursday morning.

The Bicol region, Eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Island will likely experience moderate to heavy rains on Thursday.

Residents of these areas were advised to be vigilant on the possible occurrence of flash floods and landslides.

Fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboards of Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands and Surigao Provinces due to rough seas associated with Usman.

Usman is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday, December 31. — BAP, GMA News