Quinta upgraded to tropical storm

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical depression Quinta was upgraded into a tropical storm as it continues to move towards eastern Visayas, weather bureau PAGASA said on Tuesday, December 25.

Storm signal #2 was hoisted over 5 areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

In its 11 am bulletin, PAGASA noted that as of 10 am Quinta was located 260 km East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (10.4°N, 128.3°E), with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h.

The tropical storm is moving West at 19 km/h and by Wednesday morning will be in the vicinity of Coron, Palawan.

PAGASA raised public storm signal #2 (61-100 km/h winds expected in the next 24 hours) over the following areas:

• Eastern Samar
• Leyte
• Southern Leyte
• Dinagat
• Siargao Island

Storm signal #1 (45-60 km/h winds in the next 36 hours) applies to:

• Northern Samar
• Western Samar
• Biliran
• Bohol
• Cebu including Camotes Island.
• Surigao Del Norte
• Surigao Del Sur
• Agusan del Norte, del Sur
• Misamis Oriental
• Camiguin

The estimated rainfall amount within the 350 km diameter of the storm is 10-20 mm/h (heavy-intense).

PAGASA advised residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under storm signals #2 and #1 to watch out for possible flash floods and landslides.

Those living in coastal areas under storm signal #2 should brace for big waves or storm surges generated by Quinta.

Fishing boats and other small vessels should not venture into the seaboards of Luzon and over the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao due to the combined effects of Quinta and the northeast monsoon or hanging amihan. – Rappler.com