PAGASA: More areas under Signal No. 1 as Kristine closer to land

Tropical Depression Kristine has maintained its strength while continuing to move westward, the state weather bureau PAGASA said in its latest bulletin. 

As of 11 p.m., Kristine has kept a maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and a gustiness of up to 70 kph. It continues to move westward at 25 kph. 

The tropical cyclone’s center of the eye was detected 480 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar. 

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted over the following areas: 

Luzon 

• The eastern portion of Isabela (Palanan, Dinapigue, Maconacon, Divilacan, San Mariano, Ilagan City, San Guillermo, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, City of Cauayan, Benito Soliven, Angadanan, Naguilian)
• The southeastern portion of Quirino (Maddela, Nagtipunan)
• The southern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Alfonso Castaneda)
• Aurora
• The northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Buenavista, San Narciso, San Andres, General Nakar, Pitogo, San Francisco, Calauag, Pagbilao, Infanta, Lopez, Catanauan, Mulanay, Unisan, General Luna, Plaridel, Quezon, Alabat, Sampaloc, Padre Burgos, Macalelon, Mauban, Perez, Agdangan, Gumaca, Atimonan, Real) including Polillo Islands
•  Marinduque
•  Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Catanduanes
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• Masbate

Visayas 

• Eastern Samar 
• Northern Samar 
• Samar
• Leyte 
• Biliran 
• Southern Leyte 

Mindanao 

• Dinagat Islands 
• Surigao del Norte including Siargao - Bucas Grande Group 

The wind signals warn the public of the general wind threat over an area due to the tropical cyclone. Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction," PAGASA said.

State meteorologists said that the tropical cyclone may make landfall over northern Luzon on Thursday morning and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday evening. 

Kristine may also intensify into a tropical storm in the next 12 hours and may reach a severe tropical storm category on Wednesday. It is also forecast to reach typhoon category on Friday, PAGASA added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News