Signal No. 1 up in 7 areas as Wilma threatens Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised in seven areas due to Tropical Depression Wilma, according to PAGASA's 11 a.m. advisory.

Signal No. 1:

Visayas 

• Northern Samar
• Eastern Samar
• Samar
• Biliran
• Leyte
• Southern Leyte

Mindanao

• Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands and Dinagat Islands

Wilma was last located 625 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar with maximum sustained winds of 45 km per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

The tropical depression was moving west southwestward at 20 kph.

“On the forecast track, the center of WILMA may make its initial landfall Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands between tomorrow (05 December) evening and Saturday morning,” PAGASA said.

Wilma is expected to slightly intensify before landfall but will likely remain a tropical depression throughout the forecast period, according to PAGASA. 

Heavy rainfall

Based on its 11 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said Wilma and the shearline will bring heavy rains over different areas from Thursday to Friday noon:

Due to Wilma 

100-200 millimeters (mm)

• Northern Samar
• Eastern Samar

50-100 mm

• Samar
• Biliran
• Leyte
• Southern Leyte
• Cebu
• Bohol
• Negros Oriental,
• Negros Occidental,
• Surigao del Norte
• Dinagat Islands
• Agusan del Norte
• Misamis Oriental
• Camiguin
• Due to shearline
• 100-200 mm
• Catanduanes
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• 50-100 mm
• Masbate

For areas with 100-200 mm of rainfall, PAGASA warned of possible flooding, especially in areas that are urbanized, low lying, or near rivers. Landslides are likely in moderate to highly susceptible areas.

For areas with 50-100 mm of rainfall, PAGASA said localized flooding is possible mainly in areas that are urbanized, low lying, or near rivers. Landslide is also possible in highly susceptible areas. —VAL, GMA Integrated News