Tropical Depression Ambo may intensify into tropical storm within 24 hours

Tropical Depression Ambo may intensify and become a tropical storm within 24 hours, weather bureau PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday.

The trough or extension of Ambo will bring scattered light to moderate with at times heavy rainshowers during thunderstorms over Mindanao, it added.

“Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over portions of Eastern Visayas today, in anticipation of potentially strong winds associated with the TD,” PAGASA said.

PAGASA warned of disruption of maritime activities in areas where the possible TCWS may be raised.

Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures and continue monitoring for updates, especially the local rainfall or thunderstorm advisories and heavy rainfall warnings.

“Flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur in highly to very highly susceptible areas during heavy or prolonged rainfall,” it said.

“Moderate to rough seas will be experienced over the eastern seaboards of Eastern Visayas and Caraga. Fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts are advised not venture out on these areas,” it added.

At 10:00 a.m., Ambo was located 385 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte with sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph, almost stationary.

In a press briefing, PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said Ambo is projected to make landfall over the southern part of Bicol Region on Thursday afternoon or evening.

On Wednesday, Ambo will affect the weather in Eastern Visayas due to its 300-kilometer diameter.

On Thursday, it will be near the tip of Northern Samar before making landfall over the Bicol Region.

After its landfall, Ambo will be felt over Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, Central Luzon, and some Visayas areas on Friday, Perez said.

Ambo is expected to leave the landmass of the country on Saturday. —KG, GMA News