Tropical Depression Romina has prompted PAGASA to raise Signal No. 1 over Kalayaan Islands. The storm, located 365 kilometers south of Pag-asa Island, is moving north-northeast at 30 kph with wind gusts of up to 70 kph. Hazardous sea conditions have been forecasted, necessitating caution for mariners. Romina may briefly strengthen into a tropical storm before weakening again.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the Kalayaan Islands as Tropical Depression Romina has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As of 11 a.m. on December 22, Romina was located approximately 365 kilometers south of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan, and is progressing north-northeast at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour. The depression has sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour.
PAGASA has warned of possible minimal to minor impacts due to strong winds in coastal and upland areas showing exposure to prevailing wind patterns, with a potential escalation to Signal No. 2 if the storm intensifies. In coastal waters, wave heights may reach up to 4.5 meters in certain areas, including Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and Kalayaan Islands. Mariners have been advised to remain in port or seek shelter immediately due to projected hazardous conditions. Other regions are experiencing wave heights of varying degrees, requiring heightened caution among boat operators.
Tropical Depression Romina is forecasted to shift direction later today, moving north-northwest and then west-northwest in subsequent days. It is anticipated to approach the southern portions of the Kalayaan Islands within a 24-hour timeframe. While a temporary intensification into a tropical storm is possible in the near term, the system is expected to revert to tropical depression status thereafter.
Tropical cyclones, such as Tropical Depression Romina, pose significant risks to coastal communities, particularly in the Philippines, which is geographically vulnerable to such weather disturbances. PAGASA is responsible for monitoring and providing timely updates regarding tropical cyclones, aiming to ensure public safety through advance warning systems. Understanding these alerts is crucial for disaster preparedness and community resilience, especially in areas prone to severe weather and flooding.
In summary, PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 for the Kalayaan Islands as Tropical Depression Romina approaches. Mariners are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution due to hazardous wave conditions, with expectations of changes in wind patterns in the coming days. Although there is a potential for strengthening, the storm is likely to weaken after a brief phase, reinforcing the importance of preparedness in affected areas.
Original Source: www.philstar.com
