Auring causes Signal No. 1 raised over 2 Davao provinces

Signal No. 1 has been raised over two areas in Mindanao as tropical storm Auring continues to intensify while moving westward slowly, PAGASA announced late Thursday night.

In its 11 p.m. severe weather bulletin, the weather agency said Signal No. 1 has been raised over the following areas:

• Davao Oriental
• The eastern portion of Davao de Oro (Pantukan, Maragusan, Compostela, New Bataan)

PAGASA said more areas in Caraga and Davao Region could be placed under Signal No. 1 in the next bulletin at 5 a.m. The highest wind signal could be Signal No. 2.

The tropical storm is expected to further intensify into a severe tropical storm within 48 hours. PAGASA further intensification into a typhoon was unlikely.

At 10 p.m. on Thursday, the center of Auring was estimated at 605 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

It is moving westward slowly.

PAGASA said Auring is forecast to make landfall over the eastern coast of the Caraga Region on Sunday.

The next severe weather bulletin on Auring is set to be issued at 5 a.m. on Friday.

Hazards affecting land

From Thursday night to Friday, the trough of Auring is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms over Caraga and Davao Region.

On Saturday, it may bring moderate to heavy with, at times, intense rains over the Caraga Region, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro as well as moderate to heavy rains over Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, and Davao del Norte.

Light to moderate with, at times, heavy rains are also expected over Central Visayas, the rest of Northern Mindanao, Northern Samar, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato, and Davao City.

“Under these conditions, scattered to widespread flooding (including flash floods) and rain-induced landslides are likely during heavy rains or prolonged rainfall,” PAGASA said.

Hazards affecting coastal waters

According to PAGASA, rough to high seas are expected over the eastern seaboard of Mindanao in the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, rough to very rough seas may prevail over the eastern seaboards of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and the Visayas.

The weather agency cautioned against sea travel for all types of vessels.

PAGASA said moderate to rough seas will also be experienced over the rest of the seaboards of the country.

“Mariners of small seacraft are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in these conditions,” it said.-NB, GMA News