TD Wilma Sweeps Through Samar, Heads West Toward Palawan

Tropical Depression Wilma picked up pace early Sunday morning after making landfall in Dolores, Eastern Samar, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The weather bureau's 5 a.m. advisory placed Wilma's center near Calbayog City, Samar, moving west-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts reaching 75 kph.

Storm Track and Forecast

PAGASA forecasters expect Wilma to shift direction, moving generally west-southwestward through most of the forecast period. The tropical depression will continue crossing Southern Luzon and the Visayas throughout Sunday before emerging over the Sulu Sea.

By Monday morning, Wilma is expected to pass over northern Palawan. The storm will likely maintain its tropical depression status while traversing the Visayas and Palawan before weakening into a low-pressure area over the West Philippine Sea due to the northeast monsoon (amihan).

Areas Under Signal No. 1

Several provinces across Luzon and the Visayas remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, including key agricultural and coastal communities:

Luzon: Sorsogon, Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Romblon, southern portions of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, and the northernmost areas of Palawan including Cuyo and Calamian Islands.

Visayas: Northern Samar, portions of Eastern Samar and Samar, Biliran, northern Leyte, northern Cebu (including Bantayan Islands), northern Negros Occidental, central and eastern Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and northern and central Antique including Caluya Islands.

Maritime and Wind Warnings

The northeast monsoon will bring strong to gale-force winds across most of Luzon, the Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula. Coastal areas from Cagayan to Aurora, including Polillo Islands and Camarines Norte, face waves up to five meters high.

PAGASA strongly advises operators of small seacraft, including all types of motorbancas, to avoid venturing out to sea under these conditions, particularly those with limited experience or inadequate equipment.

The weather bureau warns of minimal to minor impacts from strong winds in areas under Signal No. 1, urging local communities to remain vigilant and prepared for changing weather conditions.