Signal up in 20 areas as ‘Urduja’ moves toward Visayas

At least 20 areas were placed under Storm Signal No. 1 Monday night as tropical depression "Urduja" accelerated toward Visayas and is expected to make landfall over Leyte Tuesday morning. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Urduja" was estimated at 70 kms east-northeast of Surigao City as of 10 p.m. In its 11 p.m. advisory, Pagasa said "Urduja" packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and was moving west-northwest at 15 kph. By Tuesday morning it is expected to make landfall over Leyte, and by evening it is expected to be 40 kms east-southeast of Roxas City. By Wednesday evening it is expected to be 120 kms west-northwest of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The next evening it is expected to be 450 kms northwest of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Areas under Storm Signal No. 1 include Masbate, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Biliran, Leyte provinces, Cebu, Camotes Island, Bohol, Negros provinces, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat, and Siargao Island. Pagasa reminded residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes in areas under Storm Signal 1 to take precautions against possible flash floods and landslides. - KK, GMANews.TV