Signal no. 1 up in Batanes due to #IgmePH

Metro Manila, Philippines – The northernmost province of Batanes is now under Signal No. 1 after a low pressure area developed into a storm Friday afternoon, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

“Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1,” PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. advisory on what is now Tropical Depression Igme.

PAGASA said “Igme” is enhancing the southwest monsoon or habagat to bring strong to gale-force gusts over Ilocos Region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Zambales, and Bataan.

Forecasters also warned of moderate to rough seas over the coastal waters in the seaboards of Northern, Central, and Southern Luzon.

“Igme” was last spotted 530 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes as of 4:00 pm. It packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center with gusts of up to 70 kph.

It is moving northwestward at 15 kph, and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday.