According to the latest tropical depression information from the Philippine Meteorological Agency (PAGASA), at 7:00 p.m. on December 6 (local time), the center of tropical depression Wilma was determined to be in the sea off Dolores, Eastern Samar, near the coordinates 12.0° North - 125.7° East.
The tropical depression maintains maximum sustained winds of about 45 km/h, gusts of 55 km/h and is moving in a West-Northwest direction at a speed of about 10 km/h. The range of strong winds extends up to 180 km from the center of the tropical depression.
Many areas in Luzon and the Visayas are issuing warning signals of strong winds, causing danger to small ships and coastal tourism activities.
The sea conditions are forecast to be unfavorable, especially in the northern and eastern seas of Luzon, where waves can reach up to 5 m.
Tropical Depression Wilma is forecast to continue moving westward for most of the time, possibly entering the Eastern Samar or Northern Samar area tonight, then sweeping across the Visayas until Dec. 7 and heading out to the Sulu Sea before heading north to Palawan on the morning of Dec. 8 and entering the East Sea.
The tropical depression is forecast to maintain its intensity as it moves across the mainland, but may weaken into a low pressure area when it meets dry air from the Northeast monsoon.
According to the tropical depression near the East Sea from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the tropical depression will officially enter the East Central East Sea area on December 8, with winds of level 6, gusting to 8.
Dangerous area: 10.5-13.0°N; east of longitude 118.0°E.
Natural disaster risk level: level 3 (east of the East Sea).
It is forecasted that from early morning on December 8, the East Sea will begin to be directly affected by the tropical depression.
The eastern sea area of the Central East Sea has winds of level 6, gusts of 8, waves of 2-4 m, rough seas.
Residents and tourists in coastal areas, islands and areas prone to strong winds are required to closely monitor weather forecasts, follow evacuation instructions when necessary, and limit sea activities until the waves subside.
