Tropical Depression “Usman” expected to make landfall over Eastern Samar, Philippines

Tropical Depression "Usman" continues moving erratically over the Philippine Sea. The current forecast track takes it over Eastern Samar between late December 28 and early morning December 29, 2018 (local time). Residents of affected areas, especially those living near river channels and in low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate measures against possible flooding and landslides, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for official updates.

At 08:00 UTC on December 28 (16:00 LT), the center of Tropical Depression "Usman" was located about 285 km (177 miles) east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The system had maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h (34 mph) near the center and gusts up to 65 km/h (40 mph). Usman is almost stationary.

Moderate to heavy rains will continue over Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Quezon, while light to moderate with occasional heavy rains will prevail over Metro Manila, MIMAROPA, Aurora and the rest of CALABARZON and of Visayas tonight, December 28, PAGASA meteorologists warn.

Moderate to heavy rains will prevail over Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol Region while light to moderate with at times heavy rains is expected over Visayas and Aurora on December 29.

Tropical Depression "Usman" at 10:00 UTC on December 28, 2018. Credit: JMA/Himawari-8, CIRA/RAMMB

Residents of the aforementioned areas, especially those living near river channels and in low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate measures against possible flooding and landslides, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates.

Fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the seaboards of areas under TCWS #1, the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, and the eastern seaboard of Surigao Provinces due to the approaching Tropical Depression and the surge of the Northeast Monsoon.

Usman may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Sunday evening (LT), December 30 and Monday morning, December 31.

Featured image: Tropical Depression "Usman" at 08:10 UTC on December 28, 2018. Credit: JMA/Himawari-8, CIRA/RAMMB