Vinta moves closer to Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Public storm warning signal No. 1 was hoisted over the provinces of Aurora and Isabela yesterday as Tropical Depression Vinta  moved closer to the country.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Vinta was positioned at 820 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

It is moving in the direction of the Isabela-Aurora area.

Vinta has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center. It is forecast to move west at a speed of 26 kph.

The estimated volume of rainfall is moderate to heavy or from 5 to 15 millimeters per hour within the 300-kilometer diameter of Vinta.

PAGASA forecaster Glaiza Escullar said the tropical depression was expected to make landfall tomorrow morning.

“The projection is that its initial entry would be in Isabela... If it would make landfall in Northern Luzon it might not affect Metro Manila, but if it changes direction and makes landfall in Central Luzon, then Metro Manila might be affected,” she said.

Vinta might intensify into a storm because it was still in the Pacific Ocean where it could gather strength, Escullar said.

It is expected to exit on Friday through Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

PAGASA was already monitoring Vinta when it was a low-pressure area last Sunday.

In its 24-hour weather forecast at 5 p.m. yesterday, PAGASA said Central and Eastern Visayas and Mindanao would have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms.