Signal No. 1 up over Batanes as Dante weakens into tropical depression

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over Batanes as tropical storm Dante weakened into a tropical depression, PAGASA said Friday.

According to the 5 p.m. severe weather bulletin, Dante weakened into a tropical depression at 2 p.m.

The center of Dante was last estimated at 210 kilometers west-northwest of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

It is moving northeastward at 20 kph.

PAGASA said Dante re-entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 4 p.m.

It is forecast to make a close approach or landfall in the vicinity of southern Taiwan on Friday evening. It will then leave PAR on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, a gale warning was raised over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon due to rough seas.

“Sea travel is risky for small seacrafts over these waters. Mariners without the proper experience should immediately seek safe harbor,” PAGASA said.

The next severe weather bulletin will be issued at 11 p.m.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier said that the total fatalities due to Dante have climbed to six while three people remain missing.—LDF,GMA News