8 areas in Visayas, Mindanao under signal 1 - Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines - At least eight areas in Visayas and Mindanao were placed under storm signal 1 as tropical storm "Frank" (Fengshen) intensified while moving closer to Northeastern Mindanao Thursday afternoon. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 4 p.m., "Frank" was 470 kilometers east of Surigao or 450 km east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. "'Frank' is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over the rest of Mindanao and Visayas and later to Southern Luzon. Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides," it said in its 5 p.m. advisory. Under Storm Signal 1 are the Samar provinces, Leyte provinces and Biliran Island in Visayas; Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island, Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte. Pagasa said "Frank" packed maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph, and was moving northwest at 15 kph. By Friday afternoon, it is expected to be 400 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar. By Saturday afternoon it is forecast to be 500 km east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes. On Sunday afternoon, it is expected to be 800 km east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan. - GMANews.TV