Obet maintains strength, moving west southwestward; rains expected over parts of north Luzon

Tropical Depression Obet maintains its strength as it continues to move west southwest direction, says PAGASA in its Tropical Cyclone Update on Wednesday evening.

The center of Tropical Depression Obet was estimated at 880 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and central pressure of 1004 hPa.

Obet is currently moving in the west southwest direction at a speed of 10 km/h with strong winds that will extend outwards up to 150 km from the center.

The weather bureau says there are no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals that are currently hoisted.

Heavy Rainfall

Friday early morning through Saturday early morning, there will be moderate to heavy with at times intense rains possible over Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and the northern portion of mainland Cagayan.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains possible over Batanes, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, and the rest of mainland Cagayan.

By Saturday early morning through afternoon, there will be light to moderate with at times heavy rains over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and the northern portions of Abra and Ilocos Sur.

With these forecasts, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible.

"In the next 24 hours, the Shear Line may bring heavy rains over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte," PAGASA also reported.

Severe Winds

"Based on the latest forecast scenario, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal may be hoisted for some areas in Northern Luzon tomorrow morning at the earliest. Nevertheless, the prevailing northeasterly surface windflow will bring strong to gale-force winds over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern portions of mainland Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte in the next 24 hours," said PAGASA.

Hazards affecting coastal waters

"Under the influence of the surge of northeasterly surface wind flow, a marine gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon," the bureau announced.

"In the next 24 hours, the combined effects of the surge of northeasterly surface wind flow and the approaching tropical cyclone may also bring moderate to rough seas over the seaboards of Central Luzon (1.5 to 3.5 m) and the western and eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon (1.2 to 3.0 m)," it added.

With the rough seas expected, "mariners are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions."

Track and Intensity Outlook

Tropical Depression Obet is forecast to track west southwestward until Friday morning while accelerating before turning westward towards Northern Luzon or the Luzon Strait, PAGASA said.

"On the track forecast, the center of OBET may traverse Extreme Northern Luzon or the northern portion of mainland Northern Luzon between Friday evening and Saturday morning."

Obet may reach tropical storm category by late Friday or early morning on Saturday and as it approaches the West Philippine Sea. -- BAP, GMA News