From DOST-PAGASA

By Alexia Bangayan

Tropical Depression Wilma is expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the country on Saturday, December 6, as it slows down over the Philippine Sea, with additional rain from the shear line affecting several provinces, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 5:00 p.m., PAGASA reported that the center of the tropical cyclone was located over the coastal waters of Can-avid, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, gusts of up to 55 kph, a central pressure of 1004 hPa, and an almost stationary movement.

Additionally, the agency has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in areas including parts of Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, the Bicol Region, and nearby provinces, where winds of 39 to 61 kph may cause light to moderate damage to structures made of light materials.

Areas expected to experience heavy to intense rainfall of 100 to 200 millimeters until tomorrow afternoon include Sorsogon, Masbate, and Romblon.

Meanwhile, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Palawan, and Antique may experience moderate to heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 mm during the same period.

Rainfall from the Shear Line

The shear line is forecast to bring heavy to intense rainfall of 100 to 200 mm to Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Albay.

Moderate to heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters is expected over Quezon Province, Marinduque, and Oriental Mindoro, along with Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora.

From Monday, December 8, to Tuesday, December 9, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Quirino, and Aurora may also experience moderate to heavy rain.

PAGASA also warned that rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas, and impacts in some locations may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall.

The state weather bureau reminded local disaster risk reduction and management offices to take necessary measures to protect life and property.

Residents are advised to monitor updates from their respective PAGASA Regional Services Divisions and follow instructions from local authorities, as Heavy Rainfall Warnings and Thunderstorm Advisories may be issued as appropriate.