Tropical cyclone Ada now a storm; Signal No. 1 raised in 13 areas

Tropical cyclone Ada has become stronger and is now a tropical storm, the weather bureau PAGASA has said.

According to an advisory by PAGASA on Thursday, Ada remains inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and was last seen at 400 kilometers East of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

It had maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and a gustiness of up to 80 kph.

The following areas under Signal no. 1 will experience winds of 39 to 61 kph or intermittent rains in at least 36 hours:

• The eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Presentacion, Garchitorena)
• Sorsogon
• The southeastern portion of Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Manito, Legazpi City, Bacacay, Santo Domingo, City of Tabaco, Malilipot, Malinao, Tiwi)
• Catanduanes
• Northern Samar
• Samar
• Eastern Samar
• The eastern portion of Biliran (Maripipi, Kawayan, Culaba, Caibiran, Cabucgayan)
• The eastern portion of Leyte (Carigara, Barugo, San Miguel, Babatngon, Tacloban City, Tunga, Jaro, Alangalang, Santa Fe, Palo, Dagami, Pastrana, Tanauan, Tabontabon, Julita, Dulag, Tolosa, La Paz, Mayorga, Macarthur, Javier, Abuyog, Mahaplag)
• The eastern portion of Southern Leyte (Silago, Sogod, Libagon, Saint Bernard, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Anahawan, San Juan, Liloan, San Ricardo, San Francisco, Pintuyan)
• Dinagat Islands
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur

PAGASA said that Signal no. 2 may be the highest signal that may be hoisted throughout the forecast period.

Meanwhile, the state weather bureau said that heavy rainfall and severe winds may be seen in areas outside the landfall point and forecast confidence cone.

Ada is expected to gradually intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea over the next 48 hours, and pass close to Eastern Samar and Northern Samar by Saturday and Catanduanes by Sunday (18 January).

A landfall scenario may be possible over Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region.

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property," PAGASA said.

"Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” it added. –NB, GMA Integrated News