Tropical Storm Ada is forecast to linger within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) for the next several days, potentially bringing prolonged heavy rainfall to portions of Luzon and the Visayas. The storm’s movement is currently hampered by a high-pressure system.
Storm Details and Warnings
As of 4:00 a.m. Saturday, Tropical Storm Ada was located approximately 120 kilometers east-northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar. It sustained maximum winds of 85 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 105 kilometers per hour, and was moving west-northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour.
Signal No. 1 is in effect across a wider area, including portions of Quezon, Marinduque, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Leyte, Cebu, and Dinagat Island. A complete list of affected areas can be found in the full advisory.
Rainfall Forecasts
PAGASA has issued rainfall advisories warning of intense to torrential rains. Catanduanes is expected to receive more than 200 millimeters of rainfall. Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Northern Samar may see between 100 and 200 millimeters. Quezon, Camarines Norte, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran are forecast to receive 50 to 100 millimeters.
PAGASA weather forecaster Veronica Torres warned that the rainfall expected in Albay is particularly dangerous due to recent lahar advisories issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders.
What’s Next?
PAGASA expects Tropical Storm Ada to remain within PAR for the next three to five days. However, the storm could weaken or dissipate by Thursday if the Northeast Monsoon, or Amihan, becomes dominant. Ada is currently struggling to move north and may “loop” within PAR, prolonging its impact.
Despite earlier forecasts suggesting zero to one tropical cyclones for January, PAGASA clarified that this outlook is assessed monthly, and the possibility of further storms remains in February and March.
Gale warnings are in effect for the eastern seaboard of southern Luzon and the northern seaboard of Eastern Visayas, advising small vessels to avoid these areas due to rough to very rough sea conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Tropical Storm Ada from Catarman, Northern Samar?
As of 4:00 a.m. Saturday, Tropical Storm Ada was located about 120 kilometers east-northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar.
What wind signals are currently in effect?
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been raised over the eastern portion of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, the northern portion of Eastern Samar, and the northeastern portion of Samar. Signal No. 1 is in effect over several other areas.
What is the potential impact of Tropical Storm Ada on Mayon Volcano?
The expected rainfall in Albay is particularly dangerous given the activity of Mayon Volcano and a recent lahar advisory issued by PHIVOLCS. Heavy to intense rains could trigger lahar flows and flooding.
As Tropical Storm Ada continues to affect scattered portions of the country, authorities urge the public to remain alert, monitor official advisories, and take necessary precautions.
