By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Tropical Storm Ada maintained its strength as it continues to hover over the waters of Catanduanes, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) 11:00 a.m. bulletin.
Ada (international name: Nokaen) was last located 140 km northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph, as it slowly moves east-northeastward.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 prevails over Catanduanes and the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan), which are expected to experience gale-force winds over the next 24 hours.
TCWS No. 1 is hoisted in the following areas, which are expected to experience strong winds over the next 36 hours:
- Quezon (including Polillo Islands)
- Camarines Norte
- Camarines Sur
- Albay
- Sorsogon
- Ticao and Burias Islands
- Northern Samar
The state weather bureau, moreover, warns of a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge, with up to 2.0 meter waves possibly reaching the low-lying coastal areas of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon over the next 24 hours.
A gale warning advisory is also in effect, with rough to very rough seas generating 2.8-4.5 meter-high waves over the seaboards of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.
Ada is expected to maintain its course until Monday (Jan. 19) and remain as a tropical storm before weakening into a tropical depression by Tuesday (Jan. 20).
Further weakening into a low pressure area may also take place by Thursday (Jan. 22) due to the surge of the northeast monsoon.
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