Tropical Depression Verbena Hits Surigao del Sur, Moving West-Northwest at 30 kph

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Tropical Depression Verbena made landfall over Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, and is currently tracking over Agusan del Norte as of their 5 p.m. bulletin on Monday. The system is moving west-northwest at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour.

Verbena carries sustained winds of up to 45 kph near its center, with gusts reaching 75 kph. The depression is expected to bring strong winds to areas under Signal No. 1, including parts of Romblon, northern and central Palawan, mainland Masbate, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Sur, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, northern Bukidnon, northern Misamis Occidental, and northern Zamboanga del Norte.

Additionally, PAGASA maintains a gale warning for the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon due to prevailing strong winds.

The tropical depression is projected to accelerate as it crosses the Visayas and northern Palawan from Monday evening through Tuesday night. By Wednesday, Verbena is expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea and is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday.

PAGASA continues to monitor the system and advises affected areas to prepare for hazardous weather conditions associated with the tropical depression.