16 areas under storm signal as 'Wilma' makes landfall

MANILA, Philippines - More areas were placed under a storm warning signal after Tropical Depression "Wilma" made landfall over Surigao del Sur, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last observed Wilma at 75 kilometers north northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The first tropical cyclone to enter the country this month is bearing maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and is forecast to move west at 19 kilometers per hour.

Wilma made landfall over Tandag City, Surigao del Sur around Monday noon. It was expected to be at 40 kilometers west of Dumaguete City by Tuesday morning, PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. bulletin.

Hourly update: #WilmaPH (11AM, 04November2013) Tropical Depression Wilma has made landfall over Tandag City (Surigao Del Sur).

— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) November 4, 2013

By Thursday morning, the tropical depression is expected to be 440 kilometers west of Puerto Princesa City or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Areas under public storm warning signal no. 1 include:

Visayas
Southern part of Negros Occidental
Southern part of Negros Oriental
Southern Cebu
Siquijor
Bohol
Southern Leyte

Mindanao
Dinagat Island
Surigao Del Norte
Siargao Island
Surigao Del Sur
Agusan Del Norte
Agusan Del Sur
Misamis Oriental
Misamis Occidental
Camiguin Island
Northern part of Zamboanga Del Norte

PAGASA said these areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Heavy to intense rains are expected within the 300-kilometer diameter of the tropical depression.

PAGASA said in its 24-hour weather forecast that the regions of Caraga, Eastern and Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao will have cloudy to skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

Meanwhile, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rains or thunderstorms.

PAGASA said the easterlies are affecting the eastern section of Luzon.