Cebu: Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 continues to be in place in several areas across the Philippines as Tropical Depression (TD) Verbena maintains its strength, the weather bureau announced on Tuesday. The depression is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 90 kph.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that as of 4 a.m., Verbena was positioned over the coastal waters of Pinamungahan, Cebu, moving northwestward at a speed of 25 kph. The weather bureau confirmed that Verbena made landfall over Talisay, Cebu, at 2:40 a.m.

Areas experiencing strong winds under Signal No. 1 include Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, and the northern and central portions of Palawan, including Calamian, Cuyo, and Cagayancillo Islands, as well as mainland Masbate. Additional areas affected are Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.

The signal also covers Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and portions of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, and Zamboanga del Norte. PAGASA noted that Verbena and the northeast monsoon will bring gusty conditions with winds reaching strong to gale force across Luzon, the Visayas, and several other regions.

A gale warning is currently in place over the seaboards of Northern Luzon. Meanwhile, the tropical depression is expected to escalate to a tropical storm category either before reaching northern Palawan or upon entering the West Philippine Sea. PAGASA forecasts that the cyclone could peak at a severe tropical storm category while traversing the middle of the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.