Signal No. 1 up in Surigao del Sur due to TD Querubin

Surigao del Sur is now under Storm Signal No. 1 as Tropical Depression Querubin maintained its strength while moving over the waters off east Mindanao on Wednesday. 

The center of Querubin was last seen 195 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, according to PAGASA’s 11 a.m. advisory.

It is moving north northeastward at 10 km/h while packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h. 

Heavy rains

Due to its interaction with the shear line, Querubin may spur heavy to intense rains (100 to 200 mm) over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. 

Moderate to heavy rains (50 to 100mm) may prevail over Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, and Davao Oriental. 

Forecast track

The tropical cyclone is seen to move generally north northwestward or northward over the waters east of Mindanao within the next 24 hours. 

During the same period, Querubin will weaken into a remnant low pressure area (LPA). It will traverse Mindanao, Sulu Sea, and Palawan.

Although a weakening scenario is expected, PAGASA said it may redevelop into a tropical depression once it reaches the West Philippine Sea.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News