Tropical Depression Ester maintains its strength while traversing Southern Taiwan. According to PAGASA, Ester will continue to move northeastward and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday, June 6.

As of 11:00 AM on Friday, June 5, the center of the tropical depression was located at 230 km north Northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. It has maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and central pressure of 1002 hPa.

Ester is currently moving northeastward at 15 km/h.

Once the tropical depression exits PAR, it will head towards Southern Japan.

“ESTER may maintain its strength today as it traverses Taiwan. Afterwards, it will steadily intensify and may reach tropical storm category by tomorrow while over the East China Sea,” the PAGASA said.