Parts of Visayas, Mindanao under storm signal

MANILA, Philippines - The state weather bureau yesterday placed several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao under storm warning signal no. 1 as Tropical Depression Queenie moved closer to the country.

Queenie – the 17th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year – was spotted 60 kilometers east northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as of 4 p.m. yesterday.

It packed winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and was moving west at 24 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, signal no. 1 was hoisted over Palawan, Calamian group of islands, southern Leyte, Bohol, southern Cebu, Negros Oriental, southern Negros Occidental, and Siquijor.

Signal no. 1 was also raised over Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Dinagat province, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon and Zamboanga del Norte.

Queenie maintained its strength as it continued to move closer toward the eastern section of Mindanao yesterday afternoon.

It was expected to make landfall over Surigao del Sur yesterday afternoon and traverse Northern Mindanao last night.

PAGASA said the weather disturbance could bring moderate to heavy rains (seven to 15 millimeters per hour) within its 300-km radius.

Queenie was predicted to be at 330 km west northwest of Puerto Princesa tomorrow afternoon and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility Friday night.