The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has placed Bacolod City and portion of Negros Occidental, along with the northern portion of Negros Oriental, under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Tropical Depression “VERBENA” approaches.
Currently on Signal No. 1 are: Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, Isabela, Hinigaran, Pontevedra, La Carlota City, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, Valladolid, San Enrique, Bago City, Pulupandan, Talisay City, Silay City, Enrique B. Magalona, Victorias City, Manapla, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Calatrava, Toboso, Escalante City, Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City, and Murcia.
In Negros Oriental, the following were under Signal No. 1: Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Guihulngan City, Vallehermoso, Canlaon City.
The storm, which developed from a Low Pressure Area east of Mindanao, was last spotted 330 km East of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, moving westward at a brisk 30 km/h. It currently packs maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.
Under TCWS No. 1, residents in the affected areas of Negros, which covers the entire northern half of Negros Occidental and the northern municipalities of Negros Oriental, should anticipate strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h within the next 36 hours.
PAGASA warns that the wind threat poses a minimal to minor risk to life and property, advising the public to secure outdoor materials and be prepared for slightly stronger winds in exposed coastal and mountainous areas.
Rainfall and Track Details
VERBENA is projected to move generally west-northwestward and is expected to make landfall or pass close over northeastern Mindanao this noon or afternoon. It will then proceed to cross the Visayas and the northern portion of Palawan before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning. The proximity of the storm’s path means Bacolod and the Negros provinces will experience its direct impact.
