(Eagle News) — “Vinta” has intensified into a tropical storm, and is expected to make landfall over the Caraga-Davao region between Thursday evening and Friday morning.
In its 5 a.m. advisory on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said as of 4 a.m., the center of “Vinta” was seen 510 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
The tropical storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour, and is forecast to move westward at 18 kilometers per hour.
Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over Surigao del Sur, while Signal No. 1 is up over Southern Leyte, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Northern Davao Oriental, Northern Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.
PAGASA said Bohol, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao could be placed under Signal No. 1 within six hours.
“Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains are expected over Eastern Visayas, Caraga and Davao Region within 24 hours,” PAGASA said.
It said residents in these areas should “undertake precautionary measures, coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates.”
“Sea travel is risky over the eastern seaboard of Visayas and Mindanao due to the approaching tropical storm,” PAGASA added.