TROPICAL Depression Samuel maintained its strength after crossing northern Leyte, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Sevices Administration (Pagasa).
It is expected to slow down as it moves westward at 19 kilometers per hour (km/h), making landfall over Iloilo Wednesday afternoon, November 21.
As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, the center of Samuel was estimated at 90 kilometers east southeast of Roxas City, Capiz with a maximum strength of 45 km/h near the center and gusts up to 70 km/h.
The state weather bureau lifted the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals (TCWS) in Mindanao areas and Samar provinces.
Masbate including Ticao Island, Romblon, southern Oriental Mindoro, southern Occidental Mindoro, Palawan including Cuyo Island and Calamian Group of Islands, Biliran, Leyte, northern Cebu, northern Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique are still under TCWS 1.
Moderate to extreme rains will prevail in Bicol, Mimaropa, and Visayas regions.
Samuel is expected to exit Philippine area of responsibility Friday morning, November 23. (CLC/SunStar Philippines)