‘Usman’ maintains strength, almost stationary — Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression “Usman” has moved “erratically” and is now “almost stationary,” the weather bureau said in its 2:00 p.m. Friday forecast.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Usman’s center was spotted at 250 kilometers East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 1:00 p.m.

It has maintained its strength with winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Signal (TCS) No. 1 remain hoisted on the following areas:

Luzon Northern Palawan including Calamian group of Islands Camarines Norte Southern Quezon Marinduque Romblon Catanduanes Camarines Sur Albay Sorsogon Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands Southern Occidental Mindoro Southern Oriental Mindoro

Visayas Eastern Samar Northern Samar Samar Biliran Leyte Southern Leyte Northern Cebu including Camotes Islands Aklan Capiz Iloilo Guimaras Antique Northern Negros Occidental

Mindanao Dinagat Islands

These areas may experience winds of 30-60 kph and/or intermittent rain within the next 36 hours.

Pagasa maintained its earlier forecast that Usman could intensify into a tropical storm prior to landfall over Eastern Samar tonight and may exit the Philippine area of responsibility between Sunday evening (Dec. 30) and Monday morning (Dec. 31). /ee

READ: E. Visayas braces for ‘Usman’ impact