Tropical Depression "Luis" maintained its strength while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Quezon province, prompting state weather bureau PAGASA to keep Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 in several areas of Luzon.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin on Sunday, PAGASA said the center of the tropical cyclone was estimated at 400 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon.
"Luis" was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts reaching up to 70 kph, while moving northwestward at 15 kph.
TCWS No. 1 remains in effect over the following areas:
- Polillo Islands
- Camarines Norte
- The northern portion of Camarines Sur, including Caramoan, Presentacion, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, San Jose, Tigaon, and Calabanga
- Catanduanes
PAGASA warned residents in these areas of minimal to minor threats to life and property as winds ranging from 39 to 61 kph continue to affect parts of the region.
The state weather bureau also said the southwest monsoon, enhanced by the presence of "Luis," could bring strong to gale-force gusts over several parts of the country, particularly in coastal and mountainous areas.
Among the areas expected to experience strong winds on Sunday are Marinduque, the southern portion of the Mindoro provinces, Romblon, mainland Masbate, the Caluya Islands, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Camiguin, and the Dinagat Islands.
Meanwhile, moderate to rough sea conditions are expected to persist along the northern seaboards of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes, as well as the eastern coast of Davao Oriental. PAGASA advised operators of small vessels and motorized boats to exercise caution and avoid sailing whenever possible.
Forecasters said "Luis" is expected to intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours while remaining over the Philippine Sea east of Central Luzon.
However, PAGASA noted that the system may weaken as it turns east-northeastward and could eventually degenerate into a remnant low-pressure area by Wednesday before being absorbed by Typhoon "Dolphin."
The weather bureau added that, although the cyclone is forecast to remain over water, a westward shift in its track could still result in a landfall or a close approach to parts of Northern or Central Luzon.
