Storm signals raised as LPA develops into tropical depression ‘Ambo’

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 6:00 p.m.) – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Sunday maintained Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 1  over some areas of the country as tropical depression “Ambo” maintained its strength.

Ambo, initially a low pressure area (LPA), located in Eastern Samar developed into the country’s first tropical depression of the year on Sunday morning.

“The low pressure area east of Borongan City has developed into a tropical depression and was named “Ambo,” PAGASA said in its advisory.

The state weather bureau said Ambo's center was located at 140 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes around 4:00 p.m. It has maximum winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center.

PAGASA issued TCWS No. 1 for Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Northern Quezon including Polillo Islands, Aurora and Quirino.

PAGASA warned that winds of 30-60 kph may be expected within the next 36 hours. The wind may break twigs and branches while banana plants may tilt or land flat on the ground and rice in flowering stage may suffer significant damage. Some nipa and cogon houses may be partially unroofed while sea travel of small sea crafts and fishing boats is risky, the weather bureau also said.

In its weather bulletin, PAGASA also estimated the rainfall to be moderate to heavy with 2.5 to 10 millimeters per hour within the 200-km diameter of Ambo. Due to this, residents of Central Luzon, CALABARZON and the Bicol Region are warned of occasional moderate to heavy rains beginning Sunday.

“Ambo is expected to weaken after making landfall over Aurora province early morning tomorrow,” the advisory read.

PAGASA advised the “residents in low lying and mountainous areas of the provinces [where storm warnings signals have been raised] are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides” and monitor weather bulletins for updates.

“The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions,” the weather agency said.

Ambo is expected to move West Northwest at 22 kph, up from 19 kph in the advisory Sunday morning.