Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 Issued for Kalayaan Islands Due to Tropical Depression Romina

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over the Kalayaan Islands as Tropical Depression Romina enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility. It is currently located 365 kilometers south of Pag-asa Island, moving north-northeast with winds up to 55 kph. Hazards in coastal waters are expected, prompting safety advisories for mariners. Romina may briefly strengthen into a tropical storm before weakening later on.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the Kalayaan Islands in response to the entrance of Tropical Depression Romina into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As of 11 a.m. on December 22, the tropical depression was located approximately 365 kilometers south of Pag-asa Island, Palawan, and was advancing in a north-northeast direction at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour. Romina was reported to have maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour.

The elevation of Wind Signal No. 1 indicates the potential for minimal to minor impacts from strong winds, particularly affecting coastal and upland areas where exposure to prevailing wind directions is prominent. These locations are anticipated to experience slightly stronger winds compared to more sheltered areas. Should Romina intensify, the maximum expected wind signal is Signal No. 2.

PAGASA has also forecasted hazardous conditions in coastal waters, with wave heights projected to reach up to 4.5 meters in the seaboards of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and Kalayaan Islands. Mariners are advised to remain in port or seek shelter if already at sea until conditions improve. Other regions could see high waves as well, including the northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, and the northern coast of Camarines Sur.

As for maritime safety, it is crucial for operators of small vessels and motorbancas to avoid excursions unless absolutely necessary and to ensure they are properly prepared if venturing out is required. Additionally, Romina is expected to maintain its current trajectory, turning north-northwest later today and west-northwest in the following days, potentially passing near the southern portion of the Kalayaan Islands within 24 hours. While it may temporarily strengthen into a tropical storm, it is likely to weaken back into a tropical depression thereafter.

The Kalayaan Islands, part of the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan, are often subject to the effects of tropical weather disturbances due to their geographical location. The PAGASA serves as the country’s primary authority for weather forecasting and monitoring, providing timely warnings and advisories to ensure public safety during adverse weather conditions. The issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals serves to inform the populace about potential impacts associated with tropical systems, allowing for necessary preparations and precautions.

In conclusion, the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the Kalayaan Islands warns of minimal to minor impacts from Tropical Depression Romina, which is currently located south of the islands and moving toward them. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution due to hazardous sea conditions, and there is a possible trajectory that may see Romina strengthen temporarily before weakening again. It remains essential for individuals in the affected areas to monitor updates from PAGASA for the latest information and guidance.

Original Source: www.philstar.com