'Ester' slightly gains strength

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) yesterday placed eight provinces in northern Luzon under storm signal number 1 as tropical depression “Ester” slightly gained strength as it continued to move toward Batanes.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, Pagasa said public storm warning signal no. 1 has been raised in the provinces of Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, northern Isabela, and Batanes.

The center of Ester was estimated at 100 kilometers southeast of Basco, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center. It was expected to move west-northwest at 11 kph.

Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said Ester slightly increased its strength "because its movement slowed down, allowing it to stay on the water longer and gain strength, but it would not make landfall."

It is expected to be at 140 km west-northwest of Basco by this afternoon.

"If it will maintain its speed and direction, come Monday morning, we are expecting Ester to be out of the Philippine area of responsibility," said Aurelio, adding that the weather disturbance would move to Taiwan then China.

Aurelio said northern Luzon would experience rains and gusty winds, central Luzon would have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms, while Metro Manila would have scattered rains and thunderstorms.

Meantime, the National Disaster Coordinating Council has alerted all its disaster units in northern Luzon on the possible disastrous effects of Ester.