Tropical Storm Dante slightly intensifies while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea, Pagasa reported on its 11 am weather bulletin.
As of 10 am, the center of Tropical Storm “DANTE” was estimated based on all available data at 515 km East Northeast of Davao City or 445 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
It has maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center, gustiness up to 90 km/h, and central pressure of 996 hPa moving Northwestward at 20 km/h.
Gale-force winds extend outward up to 80 km from the center.
Today, light to moderate with at times heavy rains will be experienced over Caraga and Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental due to the outer rainbands of “DANTE”.
Under these conditions, isolated to scattered flooding (including flash floods) and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps.
Adjacent or nearby areas may also experience flooding in the absence of such rainfall occurrence due to surface runoff or swelling of river channels.
Tropical Storm Dante slightly intensifies
The present track forecast shows that the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) over any land area in the country remains less likely. However, given the uncertainty in its track forecast, any further westward shift in the track forecast or expansion in its wind radius may lead to the hoisting of TCWS over the eastern portion of the country.
On the forecast track, “DANTE” will likely remain over the Philippine Sea throughout the forecast period. The tropical storm is forecast to continue moving generally northwestward over the next two days. Afterwards, the tropical cyclone will turn north northwestward on Thursday and northeastward on Friday.
“DANTE” is forecast gradually intensify and may reach severe tropical storm category by Wednesday morning before weakening throughout the remainder of the forecast period.
Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
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