THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) lifted the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 over Cuyo Island at 5 a.m. Thursday, November 22.

Tropical Depression Samuel has maintained its strength as it moves over the West Philippine Sea.

Pagasa said that as of 4 a.m. Thursday, the center of Samuel was at 90 km north northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The tropical depression was still packing maximum winds of 45 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gusts of up to 65 km/h. It was moving west at 25 km/h.

Pagasa said moderate to heavy rains, which may trigger flooding and landslides, are still expected over Palawan including Calamian Group of Islands.

Samuel is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between Thursday evening, November 22 and Friday morning, November 23. (MBV/SunStar Philippines)