CATANDUANES — Tropical Depression Enteng is on course to make its first landfall in Catanduanes, maintaining its strength as it approaches the Bicol Region, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its latest update.
According to Philippines News Agency, the center of Enteng was located over the coastal waters of Baras, Catanduanes. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised in various parts of Luzon and Visayas, including the eastern portions of Cagayan and Isabela, Aurora, parts of Quezon, and the entirety of Catanduanes, among other areas. The system is expected to affect a broad swath of the Philippines, with potential impacts on Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and northeastern Leyte in the Visayas.
From Tuesday, Enteng is projected to move west northwestward over the Luzon Strait, potentially slowing from Tuesday to Wednesday, with another landfall near mainland Northern Luzon or the Babuyan Islands not being ruled out. The weather disturbance is forecasted to escalate into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours and may reach typhoon strength by Thursday or Friday. Moreover, the enhanced southwest monsoon will likely bring moderate to intense rainfall across other parts of Luzon and Visayas, particularly the western regions.
In response to the imminent threat, class suspensions have been announced across various provinces in Luzon and the Visayas, including complete shutdowns in parts of the Bicol Region such as Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Naga City, among others. Similar precautions are in place in Northern Samar and even as far as Kidapawan City in Mindanao, reflecting the extensive reach of the weather system.