Tropical Depression Ada has slightly intensified while moving over the Philippine Sea east of Mindanao, prompting the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in several areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, according to PAGASA.

In its 5:00 a.m. bulletin on January 15, PAGASA said the center of Tropical Depression Ada was located 385 kilometers east-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, or 465 kilometers east of Surigao City, moving northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour.

Ada now has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h and a central pressure of 1000 hPa. Strong winds extend outward up to 400 kilometers from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over Sorsogon and the southeastern portion of Albay in Luzon; Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, parts of Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte in the Visayas; and Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. These areas may experience strong winds that pose minimal to minor threats to life and property.

PAGASA warned that heavy rainfall may affect several areas due to Ada, with residents advised to monitor weather advisories. The agency also noted that strong to gale-force winds may be experienced in parts of northern and eastern Luzon, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Caraga, influenced by the northeast monsoon and the periphery of the tropical depression.

Meanwhile, rough sea conditions are expected along the eastern seaboards of several provinces, with wave heights reaching up to 4.0 meters in areas such as Northern Samar, Catanduanes, Eastern Samar, and Dinagat Islands. PAGASA advised small seacraft operators not to venture out to sea under these conditions.

PAGASA said Ada is expected to continue intensifying and may reach tropical storm category, while generally moving northwestward through Sunday before turning north-northeastward. The weather bureau warned that a slight shift in the storm’s track could result in a possible landfall over Eastern Visayas or the Bicol Region.

Authorities urged the public and local disaster risk reduction offices to take precautionary measures and follow advisories as the tropical depression continues to affect the country.

The next weather bulletin will be issued at 11:00 a.m.