PAGASA: Vinta to hit Visayas on Saturday

CEBU, Philippines — Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is keeping an eye on a looming weather disturbance which is forecasted to be stronger than tropical storm Urduja.

More so, this rain-causing weather system is feared to cross Cebu province.

“People should keep on monitoring for weather advisories from PAGASA to prepare for any eventuality,” said PAGASA-Cebu officer-in-charge Alfredo Quiblat, Jr. in a phone interview yesterday with The FREEMAN.

He said the low pressure area which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility yesterday morning eventually formed into a tropical cyclone (or “bagyo”) in the afternoon.

The country’s 22nd typhoon is named “Vinta.”

Quiblat said there is a possibility that Vinta, which is considered a tropical depression (first category) may intensify and reach the third category of “severe tropical storm” before it reaches the country’s landmass.

In PAGASA’s 5 p.m. bulletin yesterday, tropical depression Vinta was spotted hovering over the seas east of Hinatuan town, Surigao del Sur moving westward at a fast speed.

Quiblat said Vinta is expected to make its first landfall somewhere in the regions of Caraga and Davao tonight or early morning tomorrow.

He said the disturbance is projected to gain more strength while still moving over the seas and may reach classifications tropical storm (second category) then severe tropical storm (third category).

“We advise people, especially disaster control units to keep on monitoring weather updates since there is a high chance that it will intensify since it is still over the seas,” he said.

For now, Quiblat said Vinta is observed moving in a westward direction as it is about to cross the country, particularly on northern Mindanao.

What is monitored closely by local PAGASA station is its track especially if Vinta changes its direction, he said.

Quiblat revealed that other weather models suggest that Vinta may possibly take its course over Cebu Islands.

He emphasized that it is important for people to continue checking for PAGASA-issued updates since the closer Vinta gets to land, more accurate data can be provided by the weather bureau especially on its projected track.

But based on the recent analyses, Quiblat said Vinta is seen to pass through Visayas region on Saturday. Visayas residents may be able to celebrate Christmas Eve with a better weather.

As these are only predictions, there may be changes along its way as it draws near the country, he said.

Like Urduja, it remained stationary in Samar province and dumped huge volume of rainfall there. Then it eventually changed its course.

Thus, Quiblat encouraged everyone to be vigilant and be updated of the latest advisory. (FREEMAN)