CEBU (Updated) -- Tropical Depression Samuel has maintained its strength while moving west-northwest toward the Dinagat-Samar-Leyte area, where it is expected to make landfall Tuesday night, November 20.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, the center of Samuel was located at 335 kilometers east of Maasin City, Southern Leyte.
The tropical depression was still packing maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gusts of up to 65 km/h. It was moving northwest at 20 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 was raised over Masbate including Ticao Island, Romblon, southern Oriental Mindoro, southern Occidental Mindoro, Northern Palawan including Cuyo Island and Calamian Group of Islands, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.
Pagasa said moderate to heavy rains, which may trigger flooding and landslides, are expected over Visayas, Sorsogon, Masbate, Romblon, Dinagat Islands and Siargao islands.
"Residents of these areas, especially those living near or in river channels, low-lying and mountainous areas, are advised to take precautionary measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates," said Pagasa.
The weather bureau also warned fisherfolk and those with small seacraft not to venture out over the areas under TCWS Number 1 and the eastern seaboard of southern Luzon.
Pagasa said Samuel is expected to be in the vicinity of San Remigio, Antique by Wednesday morning, and may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday morning, November 23. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)