Tropical Depression Verbena maintained its strength with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 raised over six areas in Luzon and Visayas on Tuesday afternoon, according to the state weather bureau.
In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Verbena is still carrying a maximum wind speed of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 70 kph.
Verbena was last spotted over the coastal waters of Cuyo, Palawan as of 4 p.m. with a westward movement at 25 kph.
Pagasa also said that Signal No. 1 is hoisted over the following areas:
Luzon
Occidental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro
Southern portion of Romblon (Santa Fe, Ferrol, Looc, San Jose)
Northern and central portions of Palawan (Araceli, Taytay, El Nido, Dumaran, Roxas, San Vicente, Puerto Princesa) including Calamian, Cuyo and Cagayancillo Islands
Visayas
Antique
Northwestern portion of Aklan (Malay, Buruanga, Nabas)
Under this wind signal, Pagasa said that wind speeds range from 39 to 61 kph, which can bring ‘minimal to minor threat to life and property.’
Pagasa maintained its forecast of Verbena’s landfall over the northern portion of Palawan on Tuesday night.
It is expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning, pass through north of Kalayaan Islands on Wednesday evening, and then exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday.