Tropical Storm Kristine has slightly accelerated while maintaining its strength over the sea east of Aurora, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to hoist Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals in 86 areas across the country. As of Wednesday, 34 areas are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, while 52 areas are placed under Signal No. 1.
Pagasa reported that Typhoon Kristine is packing maximum sustained winds of 88 kilometers per hour (kph), with gusts reaching up to 108 kph. The storm’s movement continues west-northwestward, heading towards Luzon, affecting various regions with strong winds and heavy rains.
Wind Signal No. 2 Raised in 34 Areas
Luzon and Visayas have been significantly affected, with Wind Signal No. 2 hoisted in 34 areas. These regions should brace for winds ranging between 62 to 88 kph within the next 24 hours. This could result in light to moderate damage, especially to structures made of light materials. Pagasa also warned of potential uprooting of trees, as well as damage to crops and agricultural areas.
The areas under Signal No. 2 include:
- Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon (including Polillo Islands), Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and the northeastern portion of Sorsogon.
- Visayas: Northern Cebu, Bohol, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte.
- Mindanao: Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands.
Wind Signal No. 1 in 52 Areas
Meanwhile, Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised in 52 other areas, where winds of up to 60 kph may be felt. These winds could bring minimal to minor damage, especially to vulnerable structures.
The areas under Signal No. 1 are:
- Luzon: Batanes, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Islands), Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Calamian Islands, the rest of Sorsogon, and Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands).
- Visayas: Aklan, Capiz, Antique (including Caluya Islands), Iloilo, Guimaras, the northern portion of Negros Occidental, and the northern and central portions of Cebu.
Pagasa advises residents in these areas to prepare for potential flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous areas.