MANILA -- Tropical depression 'Salome' has intensified while crossing Ticao Pass in Masbate province Thursday morning.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said 'Salome' was last spotted 50 km. south-southwest of Juban, Sorsogon, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 50 kph.
Moving west-northwest at 25 kph, 'Salome' is expected to traverse the Sibuyan Sea on Thursday afternoon.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised over the following areas:
Metro Manila, Rizal, Bataan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, Romblon, Marinduque, Quezon, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte including Biliran.
PAGASA cautioned residents in these areas, including the eastern section of Central Luzon, against possible flashfloods and landslides.
Areas within the 250-km. diameter of 'Salome' will experience moderate to heavy rains.
Signal No. 1 brings very light or no damage to low-risk structures, light damage to medium- to high-risk structures, slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities, broken small twigs and significant damage to rice crops.
'Salome' is expected to be at 195 km. southwest of Iba, Zambales on Friday and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning. (PNA)
