Tropical depression Usman may make landfall on Friday

Tropical depression Usman may make landfall on Friday after entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Christmas day.

According to a report on GMA's "24 Oras," the cyclone may affect the eastern parts of the Philippines on Friday if it sustains its direction and strength.

Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 may be raised over the provinces in the eastern Visayas and northern Caraga late Wednesday or Thursday, PAGASA said in its 11  p.m. advisory.The state weather bureau also warned of possible disruption in maritime travel in these areas.

As of 10 p.m., the center of the tropical depression was estimated at 900 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Usman is moving northwest at 10 kilometer per hour (kph), and has a maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph.

pagasa-dec25-11pm by on Scribd

"Usman" has no direct effect on any part of the country yet.  However, the residents in eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands are advised to prepare for moderate to heavy rains associated with the tropical depression beginning late Wednesday or Thursday morning.

Residents in these areas, especially those living near river channels and in low-lying and mountainous areas are advised to take precautionary measures and coordinate with their local risk reduction and management offices.

Usman is the 21st tropical cyclone to enter the country this year. —LDF/JST, GMA News