Salome threatens Northern Luzon areas

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Salome has continued moving toward Northern Luzon, threatening Batanes and nearby areas with strong winds and rough seas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said that as of 4 p.m. yesterday, the center of Salome was located 215 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph. The weather disturbance was moving west-southwest at 10 kph.

Aside from Batanes, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over the western portion of Babuyan Islands including Calayan and Dalupiri as well as the northwestern portion of Ilocos Norte, covering the towns of Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Pagudpud and Pasuquin as well as Laoag City.

Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are expected within affected areas, PAGASA said.

Local winds may be stronger in coastal and upland areas, while sheltered communities may experience weaker gusts.

The weather bureau said Salome was expected to move closer to or make landfall in Batanes last night or early morning today, and may possibly cross near Babuyan Islands and Ilocos Norte this afternoon.

While Salome is likely to remain a tropical depression, PAGASA said a slight intensification into a tropical storm was possible.