3 areas under Signal No. 1 as Salome remains over Batanes

Signal No. 1 has been raised over three areas in Luzon on Wednesday as Tropical Depression Salome moves over Batanes, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

According to PAGASA’s 2 p.m. cyclone bulletin, Batanes, the western portion of Babuyan Islands (Calayan Is., Dalupiri Is.), and the northwestern portion of Ilocos Norte (Bangui, Pagudpud, Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra, Laoag City) will experience strong winds of 39 kph to 61 kph in at least 36 hours under Signal No. 1.

“The highest Wind Signal that will likely be hoisted throughout its passage is Wind Signal No. 1. However, the possibility of reaching tropical storm category is not ruled out, the worst case scenario is Wind Signal No. 2,” read the advisory.

Salome is currently almost stationary at 255 kilometers north northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

The tropical depression currently has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Meanwhile, PAGASA noted that strong to gale-force gusts may be felt in areas without any wind signals due to the effects of the northeasterly windflow.

A gale warning was also raised over the seaboard of Extreme Northern Luzon, while up to very rough seas may be observed over the seaboard of Batanes.

Salome may pass close or make landfall over Batanes on Wednesday night or Thursday early morning, and pass close over Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte by Thursday before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday. —KG, GMA Integrated News