Tropical Depression Ramil Slightly Intensifies While Moving Over the Philippine Sea

Tropical DepressionRamil has slightly intensified while moving southwestward over the Philippine Sea. The system continues to affect parts of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, where Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Location of Center (10:00 AM): 760 km East of Virac, Catanduanes (13.2°N, 131.2°E)
• Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 70 km/h, and central pressure of 1002 hPa
• Present Movement: Southwestward at 25 km/h
• Extent of Winds: Strong winds extend outwards up to 350 km from the center
• Ramil may continue to intensify and could reach tropical storm category within the next 12 hours as it moves closer to the Bicol Region.

Areas Under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals

Signal No. 1 (Strong winds, minimal to minor impacts):

Luzon:

• Eastern and southern portions of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Atimonan, Padre Burgos, Unisan, Gumaca, Plaridel, Agdangan, Pagbilao, Mauban, Calauag, Guinayangan, Lopez, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, San Narciso, Buenavista, San Francisco, San Andres, Mulanay) including Polillo Islands
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Catanduanes
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• Burias Island
• Ticao Island

Visayas:

• Northern Samar
• Northern portion of Eastern Samar (San Policarpo, Arteche, Oras, Dolores, Maslog, Jipapad, Taft, Can-Avid)
• Northern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan, Calbayog City, Gandara, Santa Margarita, Pagsanghan, San Jorge)

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Heavy Rainfall Outlook: Widespread rains expected over the Bicol Region, Quezon, and Eastern Visayas may lead to flooding and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.
• Severe Winds: Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1. The highest signal that may be hoisted throughout its passage is Signal No. 2, with a possible peak intensity of severe tropical storm before landfall.
• Coastal Inundation: Storm surge with peak heights reaching 1.0 to 2.0 meters possible within 48 hours in coastal areas of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon (including Polillo Islands), Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• 24-Hour Sea Condition Outlook:
  • Up to 4.0 m: Northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes; northern seaboard of Camarines Sur
  • Up to 3.5 m: Remaining seaboards of Catanduanes; northern seaboard of Northern Samar
  • Up to 2.5 m: Seaboards of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon (including Polillo Islands), Camarines Norte; eastern seaboards of Albay and Sorsogon; remaining seaboards of Camarines Sur; northwestern seaboard of Ilocos Norte; northeastern seaboard of Eastern Samar; eastern seaboard of Northern Samar
  • Mariners of small seacrafts are advised not to venture out to sea and take precautionary measures.

Track and Intensity Outlook

Ramil is forecast to move generally westward for the next 24 hours before turning west northwestward toward Central-Southern Luzon. The system may make landfall over Catanduanes tomorrow (18 October) afternoon, and later in Aurora or Quezon on Sunday (19 October) morning. It may emerge over the West Philippine Sea by Sunday evening and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday (20 October). A possible southward shift of track could bring additional areas under wind signals.

Advisory

Residents in areas under Signal No. 1, particularly in the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas, are advised to prepare for heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and possible flooding. Continue monitoring updates from PAGASA and local officials.