Tropical Depression Mirasol Makes Landfall in Casiguran, Aurora

Tropical Depression Mirasol made landfall over Casiguran, Aurora early Wednesday morning, according to the Philippine weather bureau. At 4 a.m., the cyclone was situated near Casiguran, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph with gusts reaching up to 90 kph.

The storm has prompted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 advisories across several provinces including Batanes, Cagayan with the Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and the northern and central parts of Aurora such as Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora, and San Luis. Other areas under the signal include Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the northern and eastern portions of Benguet (Bakun, Mankayan, Kabayan, Buguias, Kibungan, Atok, Bokod), Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Polillo Islands.

Heavy rainfall is anticipated in provinces such as Aurora, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, and Nueva Ecija.

In addition, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) highlighted that the southwest monsoon will bring strong to gale-force winds to the southern sections of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Marinduque, Romblon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Panay Island, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.

PAGASA also forecasted moderate to rough sea conditions along the seaboards of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Babuyan Islands, Batanes, Aurora, and the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte. Mariners operating smaller vessels such as motorbancas are strongly advised to exercise heightened caution while at sea.

Mirasol is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday, according to the weather bureau.