Manila: Salome has weakened into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Thursday. The cyclone is currently exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour.
According to Philippines News Agency, Salome was last tracked 115 kilometers northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, moving southwest at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. The tropical depression is affecting areas under signal no. 1, which include Batanes, the northern and western portions of Babuyan Islands (Calayan Island, Dalupiri Island, Babuyan Island), and the northwestern portion of Ilocos Norte (Bangui, Pagudpud, Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra, Laoag City).
Heavy rainfall is anticipated across Batanes as the weather disturbance continues its course. PAGASA has also issued a gale warning over the seaboard of extreme Northern Luzon, urging caution for maritime activities in these areas.
In its latest update, PAGASA noted that Salome could potentially pass close to Ilocos Norte in the afternoon. The cyclone is projected to weaken further into a remnant low on or before Friday, according to the weather bureau.
