Tropical Depression Ester continues to move east-northeastward toward the east of Taiwan. As of 5:00 PM on Friday, June 5, the PAGASA said Ester was located 250 km north 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. It is currently moving east northeastward at 15 km/h.

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 is currently in effect in Batanes.

The tropical depression is forecast to move northeastward today and will continue to move generally northeastward. Ester will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday morning, June 6, before heading towards southern Japan.

According to PAGASA, Ester may maintain its strength after traversing Taiwan.