The Low Pressure Area (LPA) northwest of Batanes has developed into Tropical Depression Ester after entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), prompting PAGASA to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over Batanes.
In its 5:00 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin on Friday, June 5, PAGASA said the center of Tropical Depression Ester was estimated at 225 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes as of 4:00 a.m.
The weather disturbance packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts reaching up to 55 kph. It is moving northeastward at 20 kph.
Under TCWS No. 1, Batanes may experience strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 kph within the next 36 hours, posing a minimal to minor threat to life and property.
PAGASA also warned that the Southwest Monsoon or habagat, enhanced by Ester, will continue to bring strong to gale-force gusts over most parts of Luzon today.
By Saturday, strong winds are expected over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Isabela, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Occidental Mindoro. Similar conditions may persist over Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, and Zambales on Sunday.
Mariners were likewise advised to exercise caution as rough sea conditions are expected over the western seaboards of Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, where wave heights may reach up to four meters. PAGASA advised small seacraft operators, including motorbancas, not to venture out to sea under such conditions.
According to the state weather bureau, Ester is forecast to continue moving northeastward and may make landfall over the southwestern coast of Taiwan later today. The tropical depression is expected to exit PAR on Saturday morning before heading toward southern Japan.
While traversing southern Taiwan, Ester is forecast to maintain its strength before gradually intensifying over the East China Sea and possibly reaching tropical storm category by Saturday.
PAGASA advised residents in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides, strong winds, and other weather-related hazards to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities.
