Ambo may intensify into tropical storm

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Ambo may intensify into a tropical storm before it makes landfall over the southern part of Bicol tomorrow. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Ambo, the country’s first tropical cyclone this year, was forecast to move closer to Eastern Visayas within the next 24 hours.

“Ambo may intensify into a tropical storm and is expected to make landfall over Bicol late evening tomorrow or Friday morning. Possible tropical cyclone wind signal may be raised over Bicol and some parts of Eastern Visayas by then,” Ricardo Jalad, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director and Office of Civil Defense administrator, yesterday said.

PAGASA warned residents of Eastern Visayas, Bicol and Mindanao against flooding and landslides due to prolonged rains brought by the trough or extension of the cyclone.

The state weather bureau said Ambo would bring heavy rains and gusty winds in Metro Manila this weekend.

Ambo was projected to be at 115 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar within the next 48 hours.

“It remains over the sea, but because of its wide diameter, which is around 300 kilometers, it will affect parts of Eastern Visayas,” PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez told a press briefing.

Ambo maintained its strength yesterday as it remained almost stationary over the Philippine Sea.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the center of the cyclone was spotted at 410 kms east of Surigao City, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

If Ambo maintains its track, it will pass through Southern Luzon, Bicol as well as Central and Northern Luzon, PAGASA weather specialist Lorie de la Cruz said.