Tropical Depression “Enteng” Slightly Intensifies Over Waters Northeast of Northern Samar

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 3 for Tropical Depression “Enteng,” which has slightly intensified as it continues to move northwestward over the waters northeast of Northern Samar.

Earlier today, PAGASA reported that “Enteng” had developed into a tropical depression, with initial advisories highlighting its movement northwestward. The system continues to maintain its strength, with a slight increase in wind speeds and gustiness as it approaches the Bicol Region.

Track and Intensity Outlook

As of 4:00 PM today, the center of Tropical Depression “Enteng” was located 100 km northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar, or 115 km east-southeast of Virac, Catanduanes (13.0°N, 125.5°E). It has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, with gustiness up to 70 km/h, and is moving northwestward at 15 km/h.

“Enteng” is forecast to continue moving northwestward until early morning tomorrow (September 2), potentially making landfall in the vicinity of Catanduanes or Albay within the next 12 hours. After emerging over the waters north of Camarines Provinces, it will likely turn more north-northwestward or northward, moving over the waters east of Luzon. From Tuesday (September 3) to Wednesday (September 4), “Enteng” is expected to move northwestward initially, then westward while decelerating over the Luzon Strait. A possible landfall in mainland Northern Luzon or Babuyan Islands is not ruled out. By Thursday (September 5), “Enteng” is expected to resume a northwestward movement.

“Enteng” is forecast to reach tropical storm category within the next 12 hours and is expected to remain at this category until early Wednesday. It may intensify further, potentially reaching typhoon strength by Thursday or Friday.

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

Heavy Rainfall Outlook: Residents in affected areas should prepare for heavy rainfall, with forecast accumulated rainfall as follows:

• Today to tomorrow afternoon (September 2):
  • 100-200 mm in Polillo Islands, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, and Samar.
  • 50-100 mm in Metro Manila, the rest of CALABARZON, Marinduque, Romblon, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and the northern portion of Leyte.
• Tomorrow afternoon to Tuesday afternoon (September 3):
  • 100-200 mm in Isabela, Cagayan, Abra, Ilocos Norte.
  • 50-100 mm in Aurora and the rest of Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and mainland Cagayan Valley.
• Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon (September 4):
  • 100-200 mm in Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur.
  • 50-100 mm in Batanes, mainland Cagayan, and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region and Ilocos Region.

Flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in mountainous areas or locations that have experienced significant rainfall in recent days. The enhanced Southwest Monsoon will also bring moderate to intense rainfall to other areas of Luzon and Visayas, particularly along the western portions.

Severe Winds

The following areas are currently under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 due to Tropical Depression “Enteng”:

Luzon:

• Southeastern portion of Cagayan:
  • Baggao
  • Peñablanca
• Eastern portion of Isabela:
  • Palanan
  • Dinapigue
  • Divilacan
  • San Agustin
  • San Guillermo
  • Jones
  • Echague
  • San Mariano
  • Maconacon
  • San Pablo
  • Cabagan
  • Tumauini
  • Ilagan City
• Southern portion of Quirino:
  • Nagtipunan
  • Maddela
• Northern portion of Aurora:
  • Dilasag
  • Casiguran
  • Dinalungan
  • Dipaculao
  • Baler
• Polillo Islands
• Southern portion of mainland Quezon:
  • Tagkawayan
  • Guinayangan
  • Buenavista
  • San Narciso
  • Mulanay
  • San Andres
  • San Francisco
  • Lopez
  • Calauag
  • Catanauan
  • Gumaca
  • Macalelon
  • General Luna
  • Quezon
  • Alabat
  • Perez
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Catanduanes
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands

Visayas:

• Northern Samar
• Samar
• Eastern Samar
• Biliran
• Northeastern portion of Leyte:
  • Babatngon
  • San Miguel
  • Tacloban City
  • Alangalang
  • Santa Fe
  • Palo
  • Barugo

Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within these areas. The highest possible Wind Signal that may be hoisted during the passage of “Enteng” is Wind Signal No. 2 or 3. Strong to gale-force gusts are expected due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds.

Areas Affected by Strong Winds:

• Today to tomorrow afternoon: MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Negros Island Region, Eastern Visayas (outside Wind Signal areas), Caraga Region, Northern Mindanao, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
• Tomorrow afternoon to Tuesday afternoon: Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Bulacan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Caraga Region.
• From Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon: Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Bulacan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

In the next 24 hours, “Enteng” and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon will bring the following conditions over the coastal waters of the country:

• Gale Warning is in effect over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, the eastern coast of Camarines Sur, the eastern coast of Albay, the eastern coast of Sorsogon, and the northern and eastern coast of Northern Samar. Sea travel is risky for small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas. For more information, refer to Gale Warning No. 1 issued at 5:00 PM today.
• Moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.5 m) over the eastern seaboards of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon outside Gale Warning areas, the eastern seaboard of Eastern Samar, and the seaboard of Kalayaan Islands (1.5 to 3.0 m). Mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels.
• Moderate seas (1.5 to 2.5 m) are expected over the southern seaboard of CALABARZON, the remaining seaboards of Bicol Region, Palawan, and Eastern Visayas, the seaboard of Western Visayas, the northern and eastern seaboard of Caraga Region, and the eastern seaboard of Davao Oriental. Mariners of motorbancas and similarly sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The next bulletin will be issued at 8:00 PM today.