MANILA – The weather bureau on Friday confirmed that the low-pressure area northwest of Batanes has developed into Tropical Depression Ester.
As of the latest bulletin, Ester was located around 225 km west of Itbayat, moving northeast at 20 kph with maximum winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 55 kph.
PAGASA has placed Batanes under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, warning of strong winds and rain showers across the province.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon will bring intermittent rains to Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, and Zambales, while most of Luzon will continue to experience strong to gale-force wind gusts.
Sea travel remains risky as rough seas are expected in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and nearby northern Luzon coastal waters. Fisherfolk and operators of small boats are strongly advised not to venture out.
Forecasters said Ester will continue moving northeast, possibly making landfall in southwestern Taiwan before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.
ia/xf
