A LOW-pressure area east of Eastern Visayas yesterday intensified into tropical depression “Enteng”, which authorities said may make landfall in Catanduanes or Albay.
In a bulletin issued at 5 p.m. yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed 17 areas under wind Signal No. 1.
These are the southeastern portion of Cagayan, eastern portion of Isabela, southern portion of Quirino, northern portion of Aurora, Polillo Islands, southern portion of mainland Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and the northeastern portion of Leyte.
PAGASA said the impact of winds on life and property in areas under Signal No. 1 is “minimal to minor.”
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Enteng was some 100 kilometers northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar or 115 kms east southeast of Virac, Catanduanes, PAGASA said.
It is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It is moving northwestward at 15 kph.
“Enteng is forecast to move generally northwestward until tomorrow (Monday) early morning and may make landfall in the vicinity of Catanduanes or Albay in the next 12 hours (from 5 p.m yesterday),” PAGASA said.
It is set to turn north-northwestward or northward after emerging over the waters north of the Camarines provinces, then move over the waters east of Luzon.
“From Tuesday to Wednesday, Enteng is forecast to turn northwestward initially, then westward while decelerating over the Luzon Strait,” said PAGASA.
“Another landfall in the vicinity of mainland Northern Luzon or Babuyan Islands is not ruled out,” PAGASA said.
On Thursday, it is forecast to take a more northwestward movement.
“Enteng is forecast to reach tropical storm category within the next 12 hours. It is forecast to remain in this category until early Wednesday,” said PAGASA.
It said Enteng may reach the typhoon category on Thursday or Friday when it is projected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Enteng is expected to bring rains in many parts of the country, including Metro Manila, in the coming days.
Some local government units (LGUs) have suspended classes today, Monday due to Enteng, including Cavite.
“Classes suspended in all levels Monday, September 2, 2024,” Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla announced on his Facebook page.
The other LGUs that suspended classes today include the provinces of Camarines Sur and Northern Samar; Naga City in Camarines Sur; Sorsogon City in Sorsogon; Kidapawan City in Cotabato, and Sto. Domingo town in Albay.
