TROPICAL depression "Kiko" maintained its strength as it continues to pose threat over three northern Luzon areas, the state weather bureau said on Tuesday afternoon, September 5.
In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Kiko is expected to pass near extreme northern Luzon on Tuesday night and close to Batanes on Wednesday morning, September 6.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 is up in northern Cagayan, Babuyan Group of Island, and Batanes.
Pagasa located Kiko at 270 kilometer east of Calayan, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometer per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 65kph.
The state weather bureau alerted residents of northern Luzon, especially those under TCWS 1, against possible flashfloods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.
Pagasa also advised fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts not to venture out over the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of central Luzon due to approaching Tropical Depression.
Pagasa said Kiko is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday late evening or Thursday early morning, September 7. (SunStar Philippines)