According to the latest weather forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), on the afternoon of January 14, tropical depression Ada near the East Sea has moved deeper into the Philippine Responsibility Area (PAR), about to strengthen into a storm.
By 2 pm today (local time), the center of the low pressure is located at about 8.1 degrees North latitude - 131.8 degrees East longitude, about 600 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The tropical depression is moving in a Northwest direction at a speed of about 10 km/h.
The strongest wind near the center of the low pressure reached 45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h. The low pressure is forecast to be highly likely to strengthen into a tropical depression in the next 24 hours.
The tropical depression is forecast to bring strong winds to areas such as North Samar, Samar, East Samar, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.
The tropical depression will also cause heavy rain across Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur until tomorrow, January 15.
PAGASA forecasts that tropical depression Ada will move west-northwest in the next three days, after strengthening into a storm. However, forecaster Benison Estareja believes that the forecast path may still change.
Currently, it is forecast that the storm will approach or make landfall in the Eastern Visayas region on January 16 or 17. After that, the storm will approach or make landfall in Catanduanes on January 18 or 19.
The storm will not directly affect Cebu, but its peripheral strips of clouds may cause rain across the Central Visayas region this weekend," Mr. Estareja said.
If the tropical depression strengthens into a storm, Ada will be the first tropical storm of the Philippines this year. Previously, the last time the country experienced a tropical storm in January was in 2019.
People and tourists planning to come to the Philippines during this time should pay attention to weather forecasts. Follow flight schedules and follow local instructions to ensure safety.
