Storm signal no. 1 up in Samar

MANILA (Updated 6:30 p.m.) -- The country's weather bureau placed the province of Eastern Samar under storm warning signal number 1 on Friday afternoon, as Tropical Storm "Lawin" gained strength while moving slowly west southwest.

Storm warning signal number 1 is characterized by winds of up to 30-60 kilometers per hour (kph).

Satellite Image of Tropical Storm "Lawin" as of 5:32 p.m. Friday (Source: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/)

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (Pagasa) 5 p.m. Friday weather bulletin, Lawin is moving west southwest at nine kph and has maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up 100 kph.

Lawin was located 560 kilometers (km) east of Catarman, Northern Samar as of 4 p.m. Friday.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 10-20 millimeters per hour (moderate -heavy) within the 600 km diameter of the tropical storm.

Lawin is expected to be at 370 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar by Saturday afternoon and at 270 km east of Virac, Catanduanes by Sunday afternoon. (Sunnex)