Signal no. 1 up in parts of Samar as storm 'Ambo' intensifies

MANILA -- Tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 1 was raised over parts of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar early Wednesday due to the threat of tropical storm Ambo, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 5 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said winds of 30-60 kilometers per hour and intermittent rains may be expected in at least 36 hours in the following areas:

• Northern portion of Eastern Samar (Jipapad, Maslog, Arteche, San Policarpio, Oras, Dolores, Can-avid, Taft, Sulat, San Julian, and Borongan City)
• Eastern portion of Northern Samar (Lapinig, Gamay, Mapanas, Palapag, Laoang, Catubig, Las Navas)

Tropical storm Ambo is also expected to bring rainshowers and thunderstorms over parts of Eastern Visayas.

It could also bring moderate to heavy rains over Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate by Thursday, PAGASA said.

Ambo was last spotted 410 kilometers east of Borongan City, with maximum sustained winds of 85 km per hour and 105 kph gusts.

It is moving northwest at 15 kph.

The storm could further intensify as it approaches the Eastern Visayas-Bicol area.

Ambo is bearing down on the Philippines as efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic continued. Metro Manila has been locked down, with most businesses shuttered since March 16.

The quarantine measure was expanded to all of Luzon and extended twice, with Metro Manila and 2 other areas to shift to a modified lockdown until the end of the month as the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) lapses on Friday.

• 'Modified' lockdown set in Metro Manila, 2 other areas

Around 20 major storms in a year hit the Philippines, the closest major landmass facing the Pacific typhoon belt.

Visit the ABS-CBN Weather Center for more updates.