Tropical Depression Wilmaa raises wind signals

MANILA, Philippines — Several parts of the country have been placed under Wind Signal No. 1 due to Tropical Depression Wilma, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Wilma’s center was located 575 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar.

Strong winds and rains are expected as Signal No. 1 has been hoisted in southern Masbate in Luzon; northern Samar, eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, southern Leyte, northern Cebu and eastern and central Bohol in the Visayas and Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, northern Surigao del Sur and northern Agusan del Norte in Mindanao.

The northeast monsoon will further enhance wind conditions over Luzon and the Visayas today and tomorrow.

Wilma is expected to make initial landfall in Eastern Visayas or Dinagat Islands between this evening and tomorrow morning.

While Wilma is likely to remain a tropical depression until landfall, slight intensification could occur, with further strengthening once it reaches the West Philippine Sea.