Signal No. 1 over Bicol, Visayas, Mindanao as ‘Ada’ moves to Surigao

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical depression "Ada" maintained its strength as it tracked west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, prompting state weather bureau PAGASA to hoist Signal No. 1 over several provinces in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

As of 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, the center of Ada was estimated 420 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. 

The cyclone is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gusts reaching up to 70 kph. It is moving at a pace of 10 kph.

Areas under Signal No. 1. Areas under Signal No. 1 are cautioned by PAGASA to expect strong winds ranging from 39 kph to 61 kph within the next 36 hours:

• Sorsogon
• Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Manito, Legazpi City, Bacacay, Santo Domingo)
• Catanduanes
• Northern Samar
• Samar
• Eastern Samar
• Biliran (Maripipi, Kawayan, Culaba, Caibiran, Cabucgayan)
• Leyte (Carigara, Barugo, San Miguel, Babatngon, Tacloban City, Tunga, Jaro, Alangalang, Santa Fe, Palo, Dagami, Pastrana, Tanauan, Tabontabon, Julita, Dulag, Tolosa, La Paz, Mayorga, Macarthur, Javier, Abuyog, Mahaplag)
• Southern Leyte (Silago, Sogod, Libagon, Saint Bernard, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Anahawan, San Juan, Liloan, San Ricardo, San Francisco, Pintuyan)
• Dinagat Islands
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur

PAGASA pointed out that while "Ada" is currently a tropical depression, it is expected to reach the tropical storm category later on Thursday. The highest wind signal that may be hoisted during this weather event is Signal No. 2.

Rough seas, heavy gusts. The combined effect of the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan and the periphery of "Ada" will bring strong to gale-force gusts over much of the country, particularly in coastal and mountainous regions.

Authorities have also issued a warning for mariners, particularly those operating small seacrafts or motorbancas, on hazardous sea conditions. 

Rough seas with waves reaching up to four meters are expected along the northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, Northern Samar, and the Siargao-Bucas Grande area, as well as the coasts of Albay, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, and the Dinagat Islands. 

Meanwhile, moderate seas with wave heights up to 2.5 meters are anticipated in Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte. 

As a safety advisory, PAGASA urges mariners of small seacrafts not to venture out into these conditions, especially if they are inexperienced or using ill-equipped vessels.

Forecast track. "Ada" is projected to pass close to Eastern and Northern Samar by Friday evening, January 16, or early Saturday morning, January 17.

By Saturday night or Sunday morning, it is expected to approach the waters east of Catanduanes. 

PAGASA warned that a further westward shift in the track could lead to a direct landfall over Eastern Visayas or the Bicol Region.