Salome weakens further, Signal No. 1 still up in 3 areas

Tropical Depression Salome has "slightly weakened" as it moves southwest over Balintang Channel, according to PAGASA. 

In its 11 a.m. advisory on Thursday, PAGASA said Signal No. 1 remains in the following areas:

• Batanes
• The northern and western portions of Babuyan Islands (Calayan Is., Dalupiri Is., Babuyan Is.)
• The northwestern portion of Ilocos Norte (Bangui, Pagudpud, Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra, Laoag City)

Salome was last spotted 115 km Northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and a central pressure of 1006 hPa.

Meanwhile, other areas not under any wind signals may feel strong to gale-force gusts due to the northeasterly windflow on the following dates:

Thursday: Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur

Friday: Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte

Saturday: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte

A gale warning has been placed in effect over the seaboard of Extreme Northern Luzon, while rough conditions may be anticipated over other seaboards nationwide.

"SALOME is forecast to move generally southwestward throughout the forecast period due to the High-Pressure Area over mainland China. After passing close to Babuyan Islands this morning, it may also pass close to Ilocos Norte this afternoon," PAGASA said. 

PAGASA also said that Salome is forecast to continue weakening throughout the forecast period until it becomes a remnant low.

"An earlier weakening scenario is likely due to unfavorable conditions," it added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News