A low-pressure area developed into tropical depression ‘Igme’ at 5:00 PM, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a weather forecast on Friday, September 20.
In the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin NR. 1 issued at 5:00 PM, the center of ‘Igme’ was estimated based on all available data at 530 kilometers East Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes(22.6°N, 126.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center.
Additionally, it has a gustiness of up to 70 km/h and a central pressure of 1004 hPa.
The tropical depression was seen moving Northwestward at 15 km/h, with the Southwest Monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Strong winds extend outwards up to 720 km from the center.
The DOST-PAGASA included forecast weather conditions in several areas in the country. The DOST-PAGASA warned the public of severe local winds in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds.
Igme is forecasted to remain as a tropical depression and may gradually weaken into a low-pressure area by early Monday, September 23.
“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” the DOST-PAGASA wrote.
