Signal No. 1 up in Surigao del Sur due to 'Querubin'

Metro Manila, Philippines — The lowest storm signal has been raised over Surigao del Sur as Tropical Depression Querubin moved over the waters east of Mindanao on Wednesday morning, state meteorologists reported.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) lifted Signal No. 1 over Davao Oriental but hoisted it over Surigao del Sur.

PAGASA warned of minimal to minor threat to life and property due to the impact of storm winds.

Due to "Querubin" and a shear line, or an area where warm and cold air meet, heavy to intense rains may be encountered in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

The weather bureau forecast moderate to heavy rains in the following: Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, and Davao Oriental.

Forecast track

"Querubin" maintained its strength as a tropical depression, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 55 kph. It was last spotted 195 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

According to the PAGASA forecast, "Querubin" will hover over the waters east of Mindanaon within the next 24 hours, weakening into a remnant low pressure area.

It will cross Mindanao, Sulu Sea, and Palawan from Thursday to Sunday, before regaining strength over the West Philippine Sea.