Tropical Depression Wilma Accelerates After Eastern Samar Landfall
Tropical Depression Wilma has gained momentum after making landfall in Dolores, Eastern Samar, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) tracking its westward path across the Visayas region.
As of Sunday morning's 5 a.m. advisory, the weather disturbance's center was located near Calbayog City, Samar, moving west-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour. The system maintains maximum sustained winds of 45 kph with gusts reaching up to 75 kph.
Projected Path Through Philippine Waters
PAGASA forecasters indicate Wilma will continue its west-southwestward trajectory, crossing Southern Luzon and the Visayas throughout Sunday before emerging over the Sulu Sea. The tropical depression is expected to pass over northern Palawan by Monday morning.
"Wilma is forecast to move generally west-southwestward for majority of the forecast period," the weather bureau stated in its latest bulletin.
The system will likely maintain tropical depression status while traversing the Visayas and Palawan before weakening into a low-pressure area over the West Philippine Sea, influenced by the prevailing northeast monsoon or amihan.
Wind Signal Warnings Across Multiple Provinces
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains in effect across numerous areas, including key provinces in Luzon and the Visayas. In Luzon, affected areas include Sorsogon, Masbate with its surrounding islands, Romblon, and portions of both Oriental and Occidental Mindoro. Northern Palawan, including the Cuyo and Calamian Islands, also falls under the warning.
The Visayas region sees extensive coverage under Signal No. 1, with Northern Samar, portions of Eastern Samar including the landfall area of Dolores, and significant sections of Samar province affected. Biliran, northern Leyte including Tacloban City, northern Cebu with the Bantayan Islands, and parts of Negros Occidental are also under the warning.
Western Visayas provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan, along with northern and central Antique, complete the areas under wind signal warnings.
Maritime Safety Concerns
The northeast monsoon continues to generate strong to gale-force winds across most of Luzon, the Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Coastal areas along mainland Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora face particularly challenging conditions, with waves reaching up to five meters.
PAGASA has issued specific warnings for maritime operators, advising that "mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced of operating ill-equipped vessels."
The weather bureau emphasizes that minimal to minor impacts from strong winds remain possible within all areas currently under Signal No. 1, urging residents and local government units to maintain vigilance and preparedness measures.